FWC officers in the Big Bend area are working this week to capture and treat a manatee that was apparently snagged by a careless Fishermans lure. Boaters who have spotted the injured manatee say it looks to be a golden spoon or one of many other types of shiny lures that are very popular for fishing in the area. Wildlife biologists hope to succeed in locating and treating the animal as soon as possible. Officials are asking anyone who has seen an injured manatee to report it by clicking on Marine Mammals on the FWC app and following the directions to report an injury. Wildlife officials are also asking anyone who may know the person or persons who caused the manatee’s injuries to call 1(800)-WILDLIFE or to click the Wildlife Violations menu on the FWC app to report the violation. Biologists with the agency say that manatee populations are being stressed by dwindling food sources and that added stressors like avoidable injuries to individuals is only making the problem worse.
Wildlife Officials Hope to treat Wounded Manatee.
