Featured Image Credit: ISTOCK
By: Sarah Sharkey
If you live in Florida, then you have noticed that the water levels this year have been extremely high. Everywhere you look has water, much more than usual. So how is the wildlife coping with the high waters? Well, some of our favorites are thriving. Including manatees!
Manatees have been spotted in new areas of the state as the high water is allowing them to explore even more of the freshwater in the area.
Photo Credit: Brian E. Small/Vireo
Another animal that is enjoying the high waters is the snail kite. The endangered bird has been spotted nesting as far north as Gainesville, which is the first time this has ever been documented.
Why is the water so high this year? The deluge of water from Hurricane Irma last year has not completely left the state, so when it headed into the rainy season the water was already high. When you compound that with the state’s very wet rainy season, it is no wonder that rivers and lakes are filled the brim with water.
The new areas that high water has opened up for both manatees and kite snails is very exciting. It is hoped that these animals will enjoy the high water and reach new population levels during this year of plenty.
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