POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Broward Sheriff's Office officials were called to an area of Pompano Beach Monday morning where about a dozen manatees were swimming in shallow water.
Sky 10 was above the scene about 11:30 a.m. in the area of Southeast 12th Street and State Road A1A as the manatees were nearly ashore.
Employees at Miami Seaquarium's Animal Care Department told Local 10 News reporter MJ Acosta that the behavior is normal, and that the animals are probably mating.
Authorities later confirmed that the manatees consisted of one female and the rest males.
Officials said the animals did not appear to be in danger, but lifeguards and BSO officials continued to watch the manatees to make sure they are OK.
Authorities asked beachgoers to keep their distance from the manatees while they were near shore.
Under state statute, anyone who intentionally harasses a manatee faces up to 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
The manatees swam back into the ocean shortly after 4 p.m.
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