Manatees Spotted in Kill Devil Hills: A Rare Sighting Captivates Residents

Manatees Spotted in Kill Devil Hills: A Rare Sighting

In the charming coastal town of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, residents and visitors alike have been treated to a delightful surprise—quite a few manatees! Over two recent days, a total of twelve manatees have been spotted in the area. This comes hot on the heels of another stunning sighting just a week earlier, where six manatees were seen leisurely swimming in Southern Shores.

A Feeding Frenzy in Colington Creek

On a sunny Friday, local marine enthusiasts were excited to hear from Marina Doshkov, the Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator for Jennette’s Pier. She reported that eight manatees were spotted grazing in the tranquil waters of Colington Creek, which is nestled near Kill Devil Hills. Just when we thought the excitement had peaked, four more were spotted swimming through the waters on Saturday!

This unexpected congregation of manatees is causing quite a stir, mainly because it’s pretty unusual to see these gentle giants so far north, especially at this time of year. Manatees typically thrive in warmer waters and don’t tolerate cold temperatures well—anything below 68 degrees Fahrenheit is not their cup of tea. According to experts at Save the Manatees, when the water gets chilly, these lovable creatures usually make a swift exit for warmer southern climes.

What to Do if You Spot a Manatee

If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who spots a manatee while out and about, Marina has shared a couple of important tips to keep in mind. First, and perhaps most crucially, she emphasized: “Please do not offer food, lettuce, or water to the manatees.” You might think you’re doing a good thing by trying to feed them, but this can actually encourage them to stick around longer than is safe for them. With the temperatures dropping, it’s vital that these lovable creatures start heading south.

In case you do encounter a manatee, Marina encourages everyone to report any sighting to the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 252-455-9654. This not only helps track their movements but also supports research and conservation efforts for these magnificent animals.

Why Sightings Matter

Seeing manatees in our local waters serves as a gentle reminder of the rich marine life that thrives around the Outer Banks. It offers us a chance to connect not only with nature but also with the responsibility we share to protect these creatures and their habitats. As we move into colder months, this sighting could be one of the last chances to witness their beautiful presence in our area for a while.

Join the Excitement

So, if you’re out and about near the water, keep an eye out! You never know when you might catch a glimpse of these gentle sea cows enjoying their time before they migrate south. And remember, while they’re fun to watch, keeping their wellbeing in mind is crucial. Let’s do our part to ensure that these amazing animals can continue to grace our shores for years to come.

In the heartwarming town of Kill Devil Hills, let’s cherish this rare opportunity to observe the manatees while also committing to their protection. Happy wildlife watching!