Abstract:
Efforts to decrease natural or human-induced manatee mortality depend in part on quick and efficient response to reports of injured or distressed animals by trained individuals. Likewise, the timely recovery of dead animals might allow for more detailed post-mortem investigations that determine cause of death. In this project Mote's Stranding Investigation Program provides 24-hour response to reports of sick, injured, or dead manatees in Manatee and Sarasota counties. This study reports manatee rescue and verification activities from July 1, 2011 through April 18, 2012.
