Rare Manatee Sighting Delights Rhode Island
In an exciting turn of events, a manatee, a sea creature more commonly associated with the warm waters of Florida and the Gulf Coast, made a surprise appearance in Rhode Island’s Quonochontaug Pond. This remarkable sighting, the first of its kind since 2016, has caught the attention of environmental officials.
The Quonochontaug Pond, nestled in Charlestown, is a local saltwater spot that connects to the vast Atlantic Ocean. It was here that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) made the thrilling discovery. Manatees, often referred to as “sea cows” due to their love for seagrass and marine plants, are more closely related to elephants, according to DEM experts.
Normally, manatees spend their winters in the warmer southern waters, particularly in Florida and the Gulf Coast. However, during the summer, these gentle giants embark on journeys further north, seeking new aquatic adventures.
Manatee sightings in the cooler waters of New England are a rare treat, but they have graced the region with their presence on occasion. The previous manatee sighting in these parts occurred off Cape Cod in 2016, with a prior sighting dating back to 2006.
It’s essential to note that manatees are protected species under both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. To ensure the well-being of this unexpected visitor, the DEM urges boaters and swimmers to maintain a safe distance of at least 150 feet and exercise caution when encountering the manatee.
As this story unfolds, environmental authorities, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, are diligently monitoring the manatee’s movements in this unusual habitat. Stay tuned for more updates on this delightful aquatic guest in the Ocean State.