Following Hurricane Helene’s impact on Florida, biologists and wildlife partners have been actively addressing reports of stranded manatees. The Category 4 hurricane caused significant storm surge and flooding, leading to unusual behavior among manatees.
Impact of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene struck Florida with record storm surge, flooding many lakes and rivers that are natural habitats for manatees. As a result of the high water levels, some manatees moved outside their typical range. However, when the waters receded, several became stranded on land.
Wildlife Response Efforts
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has prioritized the recovery of both residents and manatees. They stated, “While our top priority has been helping Florida residents & visitors recover from Helene’s impacts, we are also working swiftly to rehabilitate & conserve these gentle giants.”
Rescue Operations
- Relocation Efforts: The FWC shared photos of rescue teams relocating a manatee from a large puddle next to a road.
- Current Situation: As of Wednesday afternoon, FWC’s Lead Manatee Rescue Coordinator, Andy Garrett, reported responding to four stranded manatees, with six or seven more awaiting assistance.
- Health Status: Garrett confirmed that all rescued manatees are in good health. The main goal is to relocate them from traffic areas back to their aquatic environments.
Public Involvement
The FWC encourages the public to assist by reporting any stranded manatees. They can be reached through the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Manatee Facts
- Habitat: Manatees are native to Florida.
- Size and Weight: They typically grow to be around 9-10 feet long and weigh approximately 1,000 pounds.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What caused the manatees to become stranded in Florida?
- A) Increased boating activity
- B) Hurricane Helene
- C) Water pollution
- D) Fishing nets
Answer: B) Hurricane Helene
- How many stranded manatees did the FWC respond to by Wednesday afternoon?
- A) 2
- B) 4
- C) 6
- D) 10
Answer: B) 4
- What is the main priority of the FWC following Hurricane Helene?
- A) Rehabilitating the local ecosystem
- B) Helping residents and visitors recover
- C) Relocating all manatees
- D) Reducing traffic in flooded areas
Answer: B) Helping residents and visitors recover
- What should the public do if they encounter a stranded manatee?
- A) Attempt to rescue it themselves
- B) Contact wildlife experts via the Wildlife Alert Hotline
- C) Ignore it
- D) Take photos and post on social media
Answer: B) Contact wildlife experts via the Wildlife Alert Hotline
- What is the typical size of a manatee?
- A) 5-6 feet and 500 pounds
- B) 7-8 feet and 800 pounds
- C) 9-10 feet and 1,000 pounds
- D) 11-12 feet and 1,200 pounds
Answer: C) 9-10 feet and 1,000 pounds