Saw 2 manatees at Myakka state park (Siesta Key, Charlotte Harbor: food, area, map)

[Mathguy]

Looking at the map they are a long way (25+ miles) from salt water, didn't know they would go that far up.

Any insights appreciated, saw them under the first bridge you come to after entering the park on the north side of the road.

Wondering if it's the food shortage that drove them up there.

[Variable]

https://www.fox13news.com/news/watch...ver-state-park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxl_YzRAuAo

[Travelassie]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Looking at the map they are a long way (25+ miles) from salt water, didn't know they would go that far up.

Any insights appreciated, saw them under the first bridge you come to after entering the park on the north side of the road.

Wondering if it's the food shortage that drove them up there.

We see manatees not infrequently in our canal and have for years, chomping on the vegetation growing on the sides of the canal- this canal has a mangrove on one side. The canal is directly off the Peace River, about 15-20miles from the Charlotte Harbor. The water tends to be brackish but its salinity ( or lack of) really depends on the amount of rain we get.

[Mathguy]

Greatly appreciate the posts from everyone.

Been going to the area for 20+ years and have seen lots of manatees, just not all the way up at Myakka.

Once back around 2008 I saw about 20 in one group on the north end of Siesta Key with half beached and half in the water and was told it was mating.