Courtesy of NOAA / National Climatic Data Center.

Manatee researchers are skeptical of a reported sighting of a large group of manatees in Lake Pontchartrain before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. The sighting was not definitive, and it would be highly unlikely that there were that many manatees in the lake. They believe the sighting was most likely a school of fish. However, there have been some verified sightings in the lake in the past, and a boat survey did reveal a couple of manatees in the area before the hurricane struck. 

Before hurricanes or major storms, manatees have been observed moving to protected areas. Some researchers think it is possible that they have some sense of the storm approaching. During a storm, all manatees have to do is sink to the bottom where the water is calm. Physiologically, they are able to stay underwater longer than we can and can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes. When they need air, they stick their noses above the surface of the water to get a breath and then "hunker" back down to the bottom again.

We have not received any reports of injured or dead manatees from that area. However, our staff has been in contact with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They reported that refuge and local natural resource staff have been checking the area for distressed animals and that rescue personnel flying in the area are also keeping an eye out for them as well.

Save the Manatee Club is ready to assist in the rescue of injured manatees, should the need arise. If you do get a report of an injured manatee in that area, please call Save the Manatee Club at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Pathobiology Lab at 727-893-2904.  

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