SOUTHERN SHORES, N.C. — If you were in Southern Shores on Saturday, you might have caught a glimpse of a few gentle giants in the Currituck Sound.
Six manatees were seen grazing off of the Outer Banks on Saturday on their migration journey south to Florida for the winter. They typically do not come as far north as North Carolina, but Marina Doshkov, the Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator at Jennette's Pier, said warmer waters have allowed them to travel this far.
"Hopefully, they are heading south," she said on Monday. "Temps are currently safe, but borderline for manatees. The Currituck Sound was 69 degrees Saturday, but by midweek, temperatures may be dropping."
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 offered advice for what to do if you see a manatee in the moment:
- 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.