Officials Say Dead Manatee Washes Up On Island In Maryland

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Department of Natural Resources says a manatee has been found dead in Maryland.

The Daily Times of Salisbury reports the animal was first seen on Oct. 27 on Assateague Island. High tides brought it back out to sea but it washed up again and was rediscovered on Oct. 29.

It isn't uncommon to see manatees in the state during the summer, but the animals normally head back south during cooler temperatures.

The Department of Natural Resources says the circumstances surrounding the stranding are unknown, but says cold stress was likely a contributing factor. A necropsy is being performed by state veterinaries, volunteer veterinarians and others.

When complete, the skeletal remains of the manatee will go into the Smithsonian collection.

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