The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday, July 1, that it will consider removing the manatee from the endangered species list and moving it to the less dire "threatened" category. The West Indian manatee, which includes the Florida manatee, has been on the endangered list since 1967.
Manatees no longer endangered? —
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday, July 1, that it will consider removing the manatee from the endangered species list and moving it to the less dire "threatened" category. The West Indian manatee, which includes the Florida manatee, has been on the endangered list since 1967.
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Manatees swim in warm water discharged by a power plant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Manatees no longer endangered? —
Manatees swim in warm water discharged by a power plant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel/MCT/Sipa USA
Manatees were among the first species included on the endangered list. The slow-moving mammals are often killed in collisions with boats.
Manatees no longer endangered? —
Manatees were among the first species included on the endangered list. The slow-moving mammals are often killed in collisions with boats.
Wolfgang Polzer /ddp images/Sipa USA
Snorkelers approach a Florida manatee in Crystal River, Florida.
Manatees no longer endangered? —
Snorkelers approach a Florida manatee in Crystal River, Florida.
Barcroft Media/Getty Images
Wildlife officials aren't exactly sure how many manatees are in Florida waters, but officials say their numbers are increasing in some parts of the state. It's difficult to count manatees, who surface every four minutes to breathe.
Manatees no longer endangered? —
Wildlife officials aren't exactly sure how many manatees are in Florida waters, but officials say their numbers are increasing in some parts of the state. It's difficult to count manatees, who surface every four minutes to breathe.
ITV/REX USA
Lil' Joe, a wayward manatee, was rescued in September 2012 from the Little Econlockhatchee River in Orlando.
Manatees no longer endangered? —
Lil' Joe, a wayward manatee, was rescued in September 2012 from the Little Econlockhatchee River in Orlando.
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