Manatee Washes Ashore in Palm Beach, Returns Safely to Sea

A female manatee washed ashore on a Palm Beach beach Saturday morning and has since returned to the ocean. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and West Palm Beach police responded to the scene near the Worth Avenue district.

Officials determined the manatee came ashore attempting to escape a group of male manatees engaged in mating behavior. FWC officers and police monitored the animal until she made her way back into the water.

The incident highlights natural manatee behaviors, particularly during mating season. While this event concluded safely, such strandings sometimes require official intervention.