SCDNR wants you to report Lowcountry manatee sightings. Here’s how to do it easily

Have you seen a large, cow-like animal in the Lowcountry’s waters?

If you have, you may have sighted a manatee. And the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wants you to report it.

What are Manatees?

Manatees are mammals that spend their entire lives in water, like dolphins and whales. The Manatee species found in the Lowcountry is the Florida Manatee. They feed on aquatic plants and algae, and can grow to over 13 feet long and 3,500 pounds. Manatees are sometimes called sea cows, due to their large size and slow movement. Manatees need warm water to survive, and so they only venture into the Lowcountry in spring and summer.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission carried out an aerial survey of the manatee population in Florida in December 2021. The commission estimates the population of wild Florida manatees at between 8,350–11,730. The Florida manatee was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act until 2017, when they were downgraded to threatened.

Manatees are sometimes killed by humans. The most common cause of human-related death is when a boat strikes a manatee. Manatees are slow and buoyant, making them more susceptible than other aquatic animals.

How to report manatee sightings

The SCDNR created a report form where you can report your manatee sighting. The SCDNR can identify and track manatees based on the scar patterns on their bodies.

The form asks you to submit the following information:

• A photo or video of the manatee if you have one
• The sighting’s date and time
• Where you saw the manatee. You can pinpoint the location on the form’s map.
• The number of manatees you saw
• The condition of the manatee
• Your estimation of its size
• If the manatee had any identifying marks or features
• What the manatee was doing when you saw it
• The direction the manatee was traveling
• Your name, email address and phone number

What to do if you see a stranded manatee

If you find a manatee stranded on a beach or on land, call the SCDNR Wildlife Hotline quickly at 800-922-5431. Manatee rescues are difficult due to tides, available daylight and their size. SCDNR recommends you keep distance from the manatee, as the manatee will view you as a threat.

Take photos and videos of the manatee from a safe distance. They can provide context to rescuers. SCDNR biologists can then determine what assistance the manatee needs. Contact the SCDNR Wildlife Hotline if you find an injured or dead manatee.