October 8, 2008 Manatee spotted in Cape Cod waters Play video

(John Moroney, NECN: Dennis, MA) - It's not everyday you see a manatee in the waters off Massachusetts, but one such animal doesn't want to leave the Cape. A manatee was spotted in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis last week, and made another cameo Wednesday.

The manatee did not appear to be distressed, and did attract a small crowd of onlookers this morning. By 11:00 am, the animal disappeared again. Curious boaters and locals are all vying to catch a glimpse.

The manatee is eight feet long and weighs between 600-800 pounds. It is considered an endangered mammal, and lives in the warm waters off the coast of Florida.

Sarah Herzig of the International Fund of Animal Welfare, says manatees are spotted every other year or so in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, but are usually gone so fast that a photo ID can not be taken.

The waters in Sesuit Harbor are about 62 degrees right now, and the mammal is being closely monitored. Signs are in place to warn boaters about the newest visitor to the harbor.