MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. – First responders rushed to a scene in Melbourne Beach on Monday afternoon after a manatee became stuck in a storm drain, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The incident happened around 2103 Neptune Drive, where the FWC’s Manatee Rescue Unit was spotted on scene.
News 6 reached out to the FWC, which confirmed that an adult manatee had indeed been found in the drain.
“The animal appears active at this time, and there are no obvious signs of cold stress,” FWC officials wrote. “However, its overall health status is unknown.”
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Video from the scene shows first responders surrounding a manhole along the roadway.
The FWC also announced that it is working with federal, state and local partners to evaluate the situation and figure out the safest possible response for both the manatee and first responders.
“Planning is ongoing, and response options are being carefully reviewed,” a release from the FWC reads. “We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.”
No additional information has been provided at this time.