What to do if you see a stranded, injured or dead manatee or other wildlife
FWC photos of recent manatee rescues.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Manatees can become stranded inland during rough weather conditions, such as a hurricane or tropical storm. In collaboration with the public and a network of partners, FWC biologists have been responding to reports of manatees, stranded inland after Hurricane Helene when waters receded.
If you encounter a stranded, injured or dead manatee, or any other endangered wildlife, please do not attempt to handle it on your own. Call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Manatees stranded by storms may need immediate medical attention from wildlife experts. While our top priority has been to help residents and visitors of Florida recover from the impacts of Helene, we are also working swiftly to rehabilitate and conserve these gentle giants.
If you encounter any injured wildlife, report this to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or online at MyFWC.com/contact/wildlife-alert. You may also contact your nearest FWC-licensed wildlife rehabilitation center; find the rehabilitation center nearest you at https://bit.ly/LicensedWildlifeRehabilitators.