WATCH: Herd of manatees swim close to shore at Florida beach
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. - What a beautiful sight!
A herd of manatees swam close to shore to the delight of beachgoers and a lifeguard with the South Walton Fire Department at Florida’s Miramar Beach on Thursday.
RELATED: With months left in 2021, FWC says manatee deaths surpass annual record
The Florida manatees population was an estimated 7,520 animals and were classified as a threatened species at the time, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
More manatees have died so far this year than any other year on record, according to a new report from the FWC.
"Makes me feel sad because they are beautiful animals," said Carlos Diaz, who was visiting Blue Springs State Park in Orange City.
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The agency said from Jan. 1, 2021, to July 2, 2021, it recorded 841 deaths beating the total annual record of 830 in 2013.
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