Wayward manatees spotted in waterways

MOBILE, Ala. - Colder weather is moving in across the Gulf Coast, but experts say they're concerned because some manatees haven't made it to warmer waters.

Dr. Ruth Carmichael heads up the Mobile Manatees Sighting Network at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. She says the organization is concerned for the latest manatees that have been sighted.

"Last year, we had three stragglers that we know of. One in Mississippi, two in Alabama, and unfortunately, we ended up with two animals that succumbed to cold stress," Dr. Carmichael said.

Three were spotted in Bayou La Batre two weekends ago. Two more were seen in Fowl River this weekend. Dr. Carmichael thinks they could be part of the same group and hopes they will continue moving east toward their home waters of Florida. If they stay in this area to long, she's afraid they won't survive.

"It's extremely important that they contact us if they see a manatee at any time of the year, so that we can get out and learn something about the area where the animal is frequenting," she said.

The Mobile Manatees Sighting Network has been in operation since 2007, and each year the number of reported sightings has increased. So far this year they've had 117 reports. One female manatee that was tagged with a satellite transmitter in September is hanging out at Crystal River Florida on Monday.

If you spot a manatee, you're asked to not interact with them. Instead, contact the network immediately. You can reach them at 1-866-493-5803, or send them an email.