In Florida’s coastal waters, spotting a manatee is a common delight. Yet, each human interaction with them brings a new story of surprise, wonder, and occasionally, a hilarious twist. Here’s one memorable encounter!
These gentle giants are known for their surprising stealth despite their hefty size. Weighing over 1,000 pounds and stretching up to 10 feet long, manatees often glide unnoticed through the shallow waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
One day, while piloting his drone along the shoreline, Michael McCarthy spotted a manatee near the shore. It seemed to be in no hurry, leisurely exploring its underwater playground.
Little did nearby swimmers know, they shared the water with this gentle giant. McCarthy recalled the event and shared in an interview:
“I knew it was likely that [the manatee] would encounter some people, and those encounters are often entertaining… I’ve filmed a lot of manatee encounters over the years, and this is one of my favorites.”
As the manatee edged closer to shore, the scene took an unexpected twist.
Silently, it approached a swimmer who was blissfully enjoying a refreshing dip to beat the Florida heat. He was totally unaware that a curious manatee was about to crash his solo swim session.
Suddenly, the manatee popped up next to him. Startled by the unexpected visitor, the man’s heart leaped into his throat faster than he could swim to the shore. He bolted out of the water like he’d seen a ghost – well, a 1,000-pound ghostly manatee, that is.
Although clearly shocked, the man wasn’t harmed by the unexpected encounter.
Living near these waters and owning See Through Canoe, a business offering up-close encounters with local wildlife, McCarthy understands the manatees’ ninja-like abilities firsthand.
He remembers similar reactions from others who had their own unexpected manatee encounters, sharing:
“I, and many other people, have had a manatee brush up against my leg while I’m wade fishing in murky water. It will stop your heart for a moment while your brain catches up and realizes it’s just a harmless manatee.”
In Florida’s waters, meeting a manatee always brings moments of awe. McCarthy’s love for wildlife and his experiences make him appreciate these creatures even more, as their presence adds a magical touch to the coastal waters they call home.