Sunday, December 12, 2010

Global, uh, Climate Change Killing Manatees in Florida

Cold weather in Florida killing manatees

I have fond memories of manatees from my time in Florida in the mid-80's.  Manatees frequented the ship channel at Harbor Branch in winter, dining on Brazilian Pepper trees that hung over the water.  My oldest son and I swam with the manatees in the shallow waters around Fort Pierce.  Truly gentle giants.  Any sailors that confused them with mermaids had been at sea way too long however...

Manatee























Mermaid

























See what I mean?

A merm, uh, manatee had been visiting the Chesapeake for a few years, but in spring this year, one turned up dead in the Patuxent River, and I wonder whether we'll see any this year.

2 comments:

  1. We were down in Florida not too long ago and went to some park to see the Manatees. I was disappointed when I realized we were there at the wrong time of the year.

    The water was crystal clear. I can't remember what park it was.

    Nice blog, Fritz. Love your pictures and of course, your dog.

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  2. Thanks Janie, but I am resolved not to put too many "cute doggie pics" on here; I don't want it to devolve into a cute pet blog.

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