Cape & Islands News

Another manatee visit in Dennis

Dennis gets a 1,000 visitor--second time in one year

  A wayward manatee swims near the dock of Sesuit Harbor Saturday afternoon (09-12-09).  Photo: Terry Clen/Dennis Harbormaster/SatelliteNewsService.com.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., on Saturday afternoon( September 12, 2009), a large manatee, estimated to be 10 feet in length and weighing approximately 1000 pounds was observed swimming in the waters of Sesuit Harbor in East Dennis.  The manatee has since left the confines of the harbor into open waters and was last seen off shore.  It does not appear that the animal is injured or in distress.

Manatees are protected by both state and federal law. They are protected by two federal laws: The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. They are one of the most endangered species. The USFWS and IFAW have been monitoring this particular manatee’s movements up the east coast during the past several weeks.

See more coverage and video from last year in Sunday's Xtra here.

Manatees have been reported as far north as Chesapeake Bay and in recent times in Massachusetts Bay and inlets. 

This particular manatee has reportedly been entering into protected inlets and harbors as it traveled up the eastern seaboard.

The manatee, however has lingered in this area much longer than it would normally, due to the fact that people are feeding and providing water to the animal. Onlookers and the public are being requested not to feed or provide the manatee with water and to stay well back from the manatee.

Manatees are capable of feeding themselves and finding adequate sources of drinking water. Cooperation with this request from public officials will help insure the survival of this manatee.

No rescue attempt is planned at this time and the manatee is being monitored. With the cooperation of the public it is hoped that the manatee will leave the area and travel back to warmer Florida waters.

The USFAW Service, Local Marine Mammal Stranding Network and IFAW have all been notified. Law Enforcement, Natural Resource Officers and the Dennis Harbor Master Office will be monitoring the condition of the animal and its environment for as long as it remains in Dennis waters. 

Release courtesy of the Dennis Natural Resources Department.