Manatee Spotted In Rhode Island Waters For First Time In 7 Years

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Rhode Island got a rare marine life visit when a manatee was recently spotted in a Charlestown pond, the RI Department of Environment Management said Monday.

Manatees, often called sea cows, typically prefer warmer waters, like off the coast of Florida. But the sea mammal was spotted in the Quonochontaug Pond.

"Manatees can travel hundreds of miles throughout the year, and while they are rarely found in the Ocean State, they have been seen in our waters before, including in 2006 and 2016," DEM officials said in a post on X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter. "Preferring warmer waters, they typically stay near the Florida Peninsula and Gulf Coast but expand their range in the summer."

Manatees are typically 10 feet long and weigh about 1,200 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They're also related to elephants, NOAA officials said. Despite their size, manatees are graceful creatures.

Manatees are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. DEM officials said they are monitoring the manatee with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.

"We ask that the public protect this visitor by keeping an appropriate distance. Slowing down and giving marine wildlife space helps reduce the chances of collisions," a DEM spokesperson said. "Boaters in the area should use caution and be on the lookout for the manatee, if you see the animal, keep a no-wake speed until it is a safe distance from your boat. Please do not attempt to feed or touch the manatee and always maintain a safe distance of at least 150 feet away."

DEM officials said Manatee sightings can be reported to the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Hotline t 860-572-599, extension 107.

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