NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Two manatees beached near New Smyrna Dunes Dog Beach have been returned to the Indian River in New Smyrna Beach.
A viewer told News 6 the manatees first beached themselves around 2 p.m. Witnesses said they began reaching out to wildlife authorities and marine rescue organizations at that time.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC received calls reporting the manatees had become stranded onshore during mating activity. FWC then contacted the Volusia County marine mammal response team, which responded to monitor the animals, assess their respiration and body condition, and take measurements.
“We sent a crew down to investigate,” a New Smyrna Beach battalion chief told News 6 hours before the manatees made it back into the river at high tide.
Responders ultimately determined the best course of action was to wait for high tide to see whether the manatees could return to the water on their own
The manatees were ultimately able to return to the water as the tide rose later by 11 p.m.
FWC says mating herds typically include one female pursued by a group of males and may remain together for hours or even days. Although manatees are often considered gentle giants, they are large, strong animals that can be quite active during mating — and that is normal behavior.
Manatees, especially exhausted females, may sometimes beach themselves during this activity. FWC urges anyone who witnesses this to watch from a distance and never attempt to approach, interfere with or push a manatee back into open water.
Anyone who spots a distressed, injured or stranded manatee is encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).