A few manatees in the throes of mating found themselves tidally stranded Monday in New Smyrna Beach.
Biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and partners responded Monday afternoon to Smyrna Dunes Park after learning three manatees, two males and one female, that were part of a mating herd had become beached, Michelle Kerr, a spokeswoman with the FWC, said.
After assessing the manatees, all of which were about 9 feet and 900 to 1,000 pounds, the team of responders assisted the manatees back into deeper waters, Kerr said.
It isn't unusual for manatees from a mating herd to become stranded, Kerr said. This happens when multiple males pursue the female until she's ready to mate.
Experts recommend steering clear of mating herds.
Call the FWC at 1-888-404-3922 in regard to stranded manatees or other marine life.