A new group of manatees unexpectedly approached the shore, once again startling beachgoers at Sunny Isles Beach in Miami-Dade County this Wednesday, sparking concerns among social media users. "This is happening more and more. These poor manatees got stranded yesterday at Sunny Isles," noted the incident page miamicertified on its Instagram account, sharing a video featuring nearly a dozen of these mammals on the beach.
Just a week ago, another group of these large, peaceful marine mammals was spotted resting on the sand in the same area. After their brief visit, the manatees safely returned to the ocean, according to local reports.
The sighting was shared on social media with videos showing the manatees swimming calmly near the shore, an unusual spectacle for residents and tourists in the area. "It's mating season for the manatees; they come in groups like this to mate. Maybe the waves pushed them too close to shore, but they are able to get back into the water. Poor babies, just trying to mate and everyone is recording," commented a user on miamicertified's post.
Unusual Summer Sightings
This event, although unusual during the summer months, does happen every winter in Florida when hundreds of manatees seek refuge in warmer waters due to low temperatures. In January, numerous manatees congregated at the Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, a city in Citrus County.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District shared a video showing the animals crowding the hot springs, where temperatures reach 72 degrees Fahrenheit, providing an ideal refuge.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects these manatees by limiting access to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge springs during manatee season, which extends from November 15 to April 1.
Crystal River, known as the "manatee capital of the world," attracts visitors who come to swim with these iconic mammals in their natural habitat.
Common Questions about Manatee Sightings in Miami
Given the recent unusual sightings of manatees in Miami, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context and information.
Why are manatees appearing on Miami beaches?
The manatees are likely appearing on Miami beaches due to the mating season, during which they gather in groups. Sometimes, waves can push them closer to shore.
Is it common to see manatees in Sunny Isles Beach?
No, it is not common to see manatees in Sunny Isles Beach, especially during the summer. Such sightings are more frequent in winter when manatees seek warmer waters.
What should you do if you see a stranded manatee?
If you see a stranded manatee, it's important to contact local wildlife authorities immediately and avoid disturbing the animal.