Officials are now warning beach goers to be on the lookout for a herd of endangered manatees that were just spotted along the North Carolina coast.
According to Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, these manatees were spotted in the Intracoastal waterways between Hampstead and Wrightsville Beach. The gentle giants were observed feeding near docks and banks, areas known for heavy waterway traffic.
Due to their difficulty to spot above water, swimmers and boaters are advised to be particularly vigilant. Manatees are federally protected, and any form of interaction with them, including feeding or giving them water, is illegal. Paws & Claws Animal Hospital emphasizes the importance of this rule for the safety and protection of the manatees.
The hospital urges anyone who encounters manatees in North Carolina to report their sightings to the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This helps ensure the safety and monitoring of these endangered creatures.
Anyone who sees manatees in North Carolina should report the sightings to the University of North Carolina Wilmington here.
