The latest census of manatees in Florida is showing surprising and exciting results.
The official count is more than 6,200 – almost 3,300 on the east coast and nearly 3,000 on the west coast.
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say this slight increase over last year’s numbers makes this the second year the population has exceeded 6,000 in Florida. Good news!
Since many marine mammals go undetected, this count means there are a minimum of 6,200 manatees in Florida.
H/T to the Associated Press