Photo: FWC
A small manatee is being treated at SeaWorld Orlando after being found alone and in shallow water.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it was notified of the manatee being in shallow parts of the Caloosahatchee River near Fort Myers. FWC showed up with a rescue team and took the four-foot-nine-inch manatee to SeaWorld's rehabilitation center.
The find was made just before the start of the annual Manatee migrating season when hundreds of the mammals make their way to the state's natural springs or power plant outflows to stay warm. Boaters are urged to travel safely, follow all manatee protection zones and provide manatees with plenty of space.
There have been nearly 500 manatee deaths so far this year and boat propellers are one of the top causes..