Boaters are being advised be on the lookout for manatees as the weather begins to cool.
November is Manatee Awareness Month and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sent an advisory urging boaters to heed posted manatee protection zones to help aid in the conservation of the threatened species.
According to the FWC, manatees begin searching for warmer waters in the fall in order to survive the winter.
The FWC also recommended for boaters wear polarized glasses to make it easier to spot the sea mammals and urged people out on the water to avoid disturbing them.
Injured, orphaned or dead manatees can be reported by contacting the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or by dialing *392 on a cellphone as well as online.
