INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s manatee rescue team Tuesday in relocating a manatee that had become stranded in a shallow ditch.
The animal was safely transported and released in a suitable area within the county, according to a statement from the agencies.
The rescue occurred amid ongoing king tides, the highest predicted tides of the year, which have caused flooding in low-lying coastal areas of the Treasure Coast this week. Peak high tides were expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials said elevated water levels can push into ditches and narrow waterways, and the receding tide can leave animals stranded.
The manatee was found in southern Indian River County. It was loaded onto a specialized transport and released without apparent distress.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office thanked everyone involved in the effort. “Thank you to everyone involved in helping protect one of Florida’s native species,” the statement said.
Manatees are a protected native species in Florida. Residents who encounter a distressed manatee are advised to contact the FWC wildlife alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or #FWC from your cell phone.
You can watch the full video of the rescue.
