Manatees Make Unusual Appearance in Outer Banks Amid Warmer Water Conditions

Manatees Spotted in Outer Banks: A Rare Treat for Locals

Greetings, Outer Banks residents! Big news on the coast! It looks like we’re having a special visit from some of our gentle giants—the manatees! That’s right, sightings began popping up around October 12, and they’ve been spotted munching away in Currituck Sound and Colington Creek near Kill Devil Hills. Talk about a surprise guest for the fall!

A Beautiful Migration

Now, you might be wondering why there are manatees way up here in North Carolina at this time of year. Typically, these sweet creatures prefer warmer waters and don’t venture as far north as our lovely state. This year, however, it seems like many manatees are feeling adventurous, thanks to some surprisingly warm waters that have been inviting them to travel a bit further than usual.

Marina Doshkov, who is the Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator at Jennette’s Pier, has some insights into this situation. According to her, temperature matters! “Hopefully, they are heading south,” she said, explaining that manatees do just fine when the water is around 69 degrees Fahrenheit. But hold on, if it drops—yikes! That could potentially spell trouble for these big, lovable sea cows.

Temperature Concerns

Save The Manatees has reminded us that these gentle giants cannot handle temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a real concern as the weather is getting chillier. Doshkov highlighted that while the Currituck Sound is currently sitting at a comfortable 69 degrees, things might change by midweek. So, it’s essential for our new friends to get a move on to warmer waters—down to sunny Florida!

What to Do If You Spot a Manatee

Now here’s where we all pitch in! If you happen to spot a manatee, please remember, appreciating them from a distance is key. Doshkov emphasized the importance of passive observation. “Look at manatees from a distance and above water,” she advises. “Avoid touching, feeding, or giving water to them.” Offering them food, like lettuce, might seem kind-hearted, but it could actually endanger their well-being by encouraging them to stick around longer than is safe for them.

Boaters, Be Mindful!

Attention all boaters! With these marvelous mammals in our waters, now’s not the time to speed. Slowing down around marinas is a must to avoid any unfortunate collisions. Remember, our manatees deserve to be treated with respect and safety!

If You See a Manatee…

Should you come across a manatee in distress or if it seems to be in the area for too long, it’s important to report it. You can get in touch with the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 252-455-9654. This number could be crucial in ensuring that our gentle giants are safely guided back to warmer waters.

Wrapping It Up

As temperatures start to dip, let’s all work together to help our manatee visitors find their way south. Let’s keep a watchful eye and appreciate these magnificent creatures safely. Happy manatee watching, Outer Banks!