Cooling waters raise concerns for manatees along North Carolina coast

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — While air temperatures may still feel warm, water temperatures are beginning to drop across North Carolina, putting manatees at risk for cold stress.

Experts say now is an important time for the public to keep an eye out for the marine mammals, which frequently visit North Carolina waters during the summer months. As temperatures cool, manatees can develop serious health complications from prolonged exposure to cold water. In some cases, cold stress can even be fatal.

Manatees are often spotted around marinas and along the Intracoastal Waterway. As water temperatures continue to fall, they will begin seeking out warmer areas.

Michael Tift, director of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, says the public can play an important role in helping identify manatees that may need assistance.

“We can help to assess if that animal needs assistance, and so, if that’s the case, then we have teams from Florida with lots of experience with manatees that will come up very, very quickly and actually help us with potentially capturing that animal and then bringing it back down to a facility where it can be rehabbed in Florida and then hopefully released,” said Tift.

Tift says anyone who spots a manatee should keep their distance and avoid approaching or disturbing the animal.

Instead, experts recommend observing manatees from afar and taking photos or videos when possible.

Sightings can be submitted through the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program’s website, allowing experts to assess the animals and determine whether they need help.