A manatee sighting a mile away from Santa's workshop? No, folks, just off the shores of Cape Cod—which, for these gentle giants, is almost as rare. For the first time in close to ten years, one of these aquatic 'sea cows' was spotted ambling through the waters of Mashpee, Massachusetts, stirring up quite a bit of local excitement and concern for the marine visitor. Stephen Petrucci, a Mashpee resident, managed to catch this surprising encounter on video, as Boston 25 News reported. Not your everyday sight in the Northeast, Petrucci described it as "just floating around" and speculated it was feeding during low tide.
While these visits are few and far betweens, they're not without precedence. Cape Cod Times noted a previous manatee guest appearance back in 2016, marking this July’s sighting as the latest northern venture for one of these typically Floridian mammals. Erin Burke, MassWildlife's protected species program manager, confirmed the manatee's first appearance on July 26th, and a subsequent sighting last Tuesday in Mattapoisett. The creature had reportedly become stranded on tidal flats but was fortunately aided back to water by locals.
In a chilly climate turn for our warm-water-loving manatees, concern has grown over the animal's health and the rapidly cooling New England waters. According to CBS News Boston, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and MassWildlife are keeping close tabs on the situation. "The reason they're concerned is because the animal doesn't look well, it looks a little thin," Burke mentioned in an interview. Brian Sharp from IFAW chimed in, reminding people that manatees "require very warm water; they need at least 72 degrees." This particular manatee is estimated to be eight or nine feet long and weighs up to 900 pounds—a sizable indication of just how unusual this occurrence is.
With only four such sightings in Massachusetts over the last 17 years, the IFAW urges the public to keep their distance—"at least 150 feet"—from this and any other marine mammals. "We ask that anyone who encounters this manatee or any other marine mammal maintains a safe and respectful distance-at least 150 feet. Do not attempt to feed, touch, or closely approach the animal. These actions can be harmful to both the animal and the public, and in some cases are a violation of federal law" the organization cautioned in a statement. Distressed manatee sightings, meanwhile, should go straight to the IFAW's stranding hotline at 508-743-9548, ensuring the creatures can be monitored and assisted as needed by wildlife officials. So, Cape Cod denizens and visitors alike, keep your eyes peeled, but let the professionals handle any marine meet-and-greets.
