Oct 8, 2008 6:53 pm US/Eastern
Boaters Warned Of Rare Manatee In Cape Waters
DENNIS (WBZ) ―
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This manatee has been swimming in waters off Cape Cod for the last two weeks when it should be on its way to Florida waters.
WBZ
Boaters off Cape Cod are being warned to watch out for an
endangered manatee that has been swimming off Dennis for the last two weeks.
The rare marine mammal has apparently lost its way to Florida waters where it would spend the winter.
"We're in contact with the environmental police and the stranding network and we're waiting to hear back from them on what the next move is because it's kind of rare to have one up here," said Dennis harbormaster Rick Lemont.
Dennis selectmen say they are trying to come up with a plan to rescue the manatee.
"It would be terrible if we didn't do anything and it ended up getting hit in the harbor," said selectman Wayne Bergeron.
The manatee has attracted onlookers with cameras hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare mammal.
Wildlife officials have asked onlookers to stay away from the harbor until they can facilitate a proper rescue.
Officials say the manatee is not in any immediate danger. The
Cape Cod Stranding Network, which facilitates animal rescues, is working with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Sea World with the hope of getting the manatee back to Florida waters.
The Cape Cod Stranding Network has a 24-hour hotline to report stranded or distressed marine animals: 508-743-9548
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