Pinellas Sheriff’s Office shared a social media post about groups of manatees seen near Florida beaches. Authorities advised not to contact them regarding the manatee clusters, as the animals are likely mating and not in distress. Manatees mate year-round, with increased activity during the summer in Florida. If you observe manatees engaging in mating behavior, please refrain from contacting the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office issued a warning on Instagram on June 15, showing a video of manatees congregating on a Florida beach shore. The post explains that this behavior is common in the summer and not a cause for concern. Manatees gather for mating purposes during this time. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute posted on June 17, providing more information on manatee mating herds and urging boaters and beachgoers to give them space. Approaching mating manatees can lead to legal consequences, as these gentle giants are protected under various laws. It is crucial to respect their natural behavior and avoid disturbing them.
Imprisonment for a maximum of 60 days is the penalty for violations at the state level, while federal offenses may result in fines of up to $50,000 and/or a year of imprisonment. You can find the original article on People’s website.
