LCSO and FWC rescue injured manatee from the Imperial River after it was struck by a boat

The Lee County Sheriff’S Office along with the Florida Wildlife Commission and their biologist’s rescued of a 9.5 foot male manatee estimated to weigh 900 pounds.

The manatee was in the Imperial River, when it suffered injuries caused by a boat propeller impact and was located by concerned citizens who stayed with the animal until the arrival of LCSO Marine Unit, Marine detail and Bonita Community Policing deputies.

LCSO Marine Unit and FWC ask boaters to exercise extreme caution in shallow waters and seagrass beds…locations often populated by manatees.

Manatees are often found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, lagoons, and coastal areas. Please abide by the posted speed zone signs while in areas known to be used by manatees or when observations indicate manatees might be present.