Baby manatee found dead in Intracoastal Waterway in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH -- State wildlife officials responded after a dead baby manatee was found Friday afternoon floating in the Intracoastal Waterway in Daytona Beach.

The manatee was reported at Beach Street and Wilder Boulevard, said Joy Hill, a spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Deaths are often reported among newborn and very young manatees. Through April 6, 14 such deaths, which fall into a category known as perinatal, have been reported in Florida, including one in Volusia County, according to wildlife commission records. Last year, there were 13 perinatal manatee deaths reported in Volusia and none in Flagler.

Statewide, there were 77 perinatal deaths reported last year, the third largest category behind cold stress and undetermined causes. Source