Florida Police: Stop Calling 911 About Loud Mating Manatees
This is the most Florida thing we’ve heard this week! The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is asking that citizens stop calling 911 about the flailing manatees. In fact, they look like they’re in distress off the canals and shorelines of the Gulf Coast but really they’re not having trouble at all. As a matter of fact, they’re really enjoying themselves! The PCSO says, “We can assure you they are more than fine. Manatees actually mate in herds like these and often they are near the shore.” These large sea cows are just enjoying what come natural to them which happens to be other manatees during mating season. They’re having sex.
Why are manatees mating right now?
Manatees have been large mammals for a a while and they help support their ecosystem. Normally the glide slowly and quietly through the water but will occasionally stick their snouts for food or air. Most of them are easy going and known as very loveable creatures. They’ll often come up for air and leaving swirls in the water because of their flat tails. Even though they’re quite large and sweet it can be easy to miss them. Unlike some other animals, manatees do not pair for life. It’s not uncommon for several males to pursue a single female at the same time to see who the winner will be. They can often times become aggressive over the female which can lead to violence. Some manatees will splash and thrash in large groups that often draw curious, and sometimes concerned, onlookers. If you see something like this there’s no need to call 911, they’re just enjoying their natural habitat. They just want to make love, be loud and enjoy their surroundings! By the way, dangerous to intervene during mating season in general. Touching or disturbing manatees is illegal in Florida, and you could be fined.