KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — A dozen more manatees were spotted over two recent days on the Outer Banks after a sighting of six was reported less than a week ago in Southern Shores.
On Friday, Marina Doshkov, the Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator for Jennette's Pier, said eight manatees were seen grazing in Colington Creek, near Kill Devil Hills. And four more were seen on Saturday.
"Please do not offer food, lettuce or water to the manatees," she said. "When you offer them food, it encourages them to stay longer than they should. With water temperatures dropping, they need to head south as soon as possible."
It is rare for manatees to be spotted this far north, let alone at this point in the year. Manatees typically cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Save the Manatees.
If you happen to spot a manatee, Doshkov asks that you report it to the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 252-455-9654.
She also provided more tips to remember if you see a manatee:
- Practice passive observation: Look at manatees from a distance and above water. Avoid touching, feeding or giving water to manatees so not to encourage them to stay in area waters while temperatures drop.
- Be mindful of noise and splashing. Manatees may be resting and not aware of your presence, so loud noises or activity could startle them.
- Don't block their path. Avoid chasing or blocking manatees that are traveling.
- Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and to help see below the water’s surface. Look for “footprints” on the water’s surface made by manatee tails or their nostrils as they surface.
- Slow your vessel down, especially around marinas. Reducing speed gives you a greater chance to avoid manatees and for them to avoid your vessel.
