Rare manatee spotted near Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX -- Experts say a rare manatee has been spotted swimming near Corpus Christi.

Lea Walker with the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network says the first sighting happened Thursday morning in Nueces Bay. Walker told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that the animal was seen later in the day in Corpus Christi Bay.

Walker says the manatee appears healthy.

The last time a manatee was seen in the Corpus Christi area was 2010.

Manatees, which can grow to 10 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds, are protected under federal law.

Manatees often migrate to warm waters while looking for food. The creatures typically prefer shallow waters near Florida, Central America and Mexico.

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