When we think of Manatees, the state of Florida comes to mind. However, a herd of manatees were recently pictured swimming in the NC intracoastal waterway.

That’s a mere one hour’s drive from North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

According to a nearby animal NC hospital, a herd of manatees has been spotted along the North Carolina coast.

The herd was found in the Intracoastal waterways between Hampstead and Wrightsville Beach, according to Paws & Claws Animal Hospital.

The large, aquatic mammals were seen feeding on docks and banks, where waterway traffic is heavier, according to Wilmington’s animal hospital.

The animal hospital warns swimmers and boaters to be cautious since manatees are difficult to spot above water.

The animal hospital reminds the public that manatees are federally protected species, and any contact with them is prohibited.

You should not feed them, give them water, or interact with them in any way.

The animal hospital asked people not to harass the animals by swimming with them, touching them or getting close to them.

Those who see manatees in North Carolina should contact the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Manatees

A manatee is a large, gentle mammal that spends its days peacefully grazing on aquatic plants in warm coastal waters. These unique creatures are known for their friendly demeanor and slow-moving nature, often seen gliding gracefully through the water with their paddle-like flippers. As mammals, manatees give birth to live young and nurse them with milk produced by mammary glands. Their thick skin is covered in coarse hair, giving them a somewhat shaggy appearance as they navigate the depths of rivers, estuaries, and seas. Despite their size and powerful bodies, manatees are surprisingly docile animals that pose no threat to humans or other marine life around them.