Herd of manatees spotted on NC coast, animal hospital reports

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Swimmers and boaters are asked to be cautious after a herd of manatees were spotted along the North Carolina coast, according to a nearby animal hospital.

According to Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, a herd of manatees was found in the intracoastal waterways between Hampstead and Wrightsville Beach.

The animal hospital, located in Wilmington, said the manatees were seen feeding by docks and banks where waterway traffic tends to be heavier.

Swimmers and boaters are asked to be cautious because manatees are difficult to spot above water, according to the animal hospital.

Officials with the animal hospital remind the public that manatees are a federally protected species, and that any type of interaction with them is illegal.

They said you should not attempt to feed them, give them water or interact with them in any form.

“Please do not harass them by trying to swim with them, touch them or get close to them,” the animal hospital said.

Anyone who sees manatees in North Carolina is asked to report the sightings to the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

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