Rare Manatee Spotting in Massachusetts Raises Concern Among Scientists

A manatee has been observed off the coast of Massachusetts, marking its first sighting in the region in almost ten years. Scientists are closely watching the condition of this endangered animal to determine if any intervention is needed to prevent it from suffering due to the cold waters or lack of food sources. The manatee was first spotted on July 26 near Cape Cod, swimming calmly alongside paddle boarders in an area rich with sea grass. Jennifer Sullivan, a local resident who filmed the sighting, described how the manatee was leisurely floating in the grass, appearing unbothered by human presence.

Several days later, the manatee was reportedly found beached at Mattapoisett, where concerned bystanders helped push it back into the water. Since that incident, it has not been seen again, but the International Fund for Animal Welfare stands ready to assist if the situation deteriorates. Experts warn that manatees typically inhabit warmer waters and if this individual remains in the chilly environment of New England, it might face serious health risks or even death.

Moreover, the manatee's diet consists of seagrass and mangroves, which are not common in the northern waters of the United States. The New England Aquarium’s Dr. Nadine Lysiak emphasized the importance of acting quickly if the manatee is spotted again to avert potential health issues related to food shortages. The reasons behind the manatee's journey to such northern waters are still unclear; it may have been influenced by warmer currents from the Gulf Stream leading it from Florida up towards New England.

Although rare, manatee sightings in the northern regions are not entirely unheard of. Historical instances include sightings in Cape Cod Bay in 2008 and 2009, where both of the observed manatees were eventually rescued; one unfortunately did not survive the trip back to Florida for rehabilitation. In a more recent event, a manatee was spotted in Rhode Island this year. Anyone who encounters the manatee is encouraged to note its GPS location and contact the stranding network for assistance. Sullivan expressed her gratitude for witnessing the manatee, hoping that it successfully returns to its warmer habitat.