A rare and exciting discovery was made earlier today, as officials reported a manatee sighting in Quonochontaug Pond, Rhode Island. This marks the first time since 2016 that these gentle giants, often referred to as "sea cows," have been spotted in New England waters, drawing the attention of both locals and wildlife experts.
The ocean is full of surprises🌊! A manatee was recently spotted in Quonochontaug Pond. DEM, @USFWS, and @mysticaquarium are aware of the manatee + are monitoring it. Sightings can be reported to the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Hotline at 860-572-5955 x107. (1/7) pic.twitter.com/lsJSjQPQNI
— Rhode Island Dept of Environmental Management (@RhodeIslandDEM) September 11, 2023
According to CBS News Boston, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is closely monitoring the situation, working in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mystic Aquarium. Experts suspect this particular manatee is fairly far from its usual habitat, as manatees have been known to live in waters off Florida and the Gulf Coast during winters and migrate further north during summers.
Officials are urging locals and visitors to responsibly keep a distance if they happen to spot the manatee and exercise caution in its vicinity. Boaters are advised to maintain a no-wake speed and keep at least 150 feet away from the manatee.
Manatees, closely related to elephants, are known to feed on vegetation in shallow coastal waters and can weigh over 3,000 pounds while reaching up to 14 feet in length. According to the same Boston.com article, this specific manatee looks "a little thin" and measures about eight feet long. It is believed that the manatee may have traveled about a thousand miles to reach New England.
Officials, first and foresmostly, want to ensure the manatee's safety and well-being during its stay in the area. Their main concern is to monitor the manatee so they take action before the waters become too cold, similar to the rescue effort of the manatee in Cape Cod back in 2016.
