Boaters warned to watch out for migrating manatees

MIAMI (AP) – State wildlife authorities want boaters to make note of seasonal manatee protection zones that take effect this week.

Many of the zones take effect statewide on Saturday.

Florida’s manatees typically migrate to warmer waters in November. The large, slow-moving marine mammals will swim along rivers, bays and coastal areas searching for warmer temperatures in freshwater springs, canals and power plant outflows.

In spite of their heft, manatees lack blubber to insulate them from cold water temperatures, so they must migrate to survive the winter.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges boaters to protect manatees by slowing down and looking for them in the water.

Anyone who spots an injured manatee is encouraged to call wildlife authorities.