Manatee Cools Off with Drink from Bradenton Police Boat

Officers warn against giving wild manatees fresh water due to safety concerns.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:29pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a manatee's snout emerging from the water, surrounded by soft, blurred pools of warm, vibrant color.A manatee's unexpected visit to a Bradenton police boat highlights the need to maintain a safe distance from these protected marine mammals.Bradenton Today

A video captured a manatee approaching a Bradenton police boat and drinking fresh water from the vessel, an adorable but potentially dangerous interaction according to local authorities.

Why it matters

Manatees are a protected species in Florida, and while seeing them up close can be tempting, providing them with fresh water from boats or people can lead the animals to become too comfortable around humans, increasing the risk of collisions or other safety issues.

The details

The video shows a manatee swimming up to the police boat and submerging its snout to drink the fresh water onboard. While the scene is cute, officers warn that this type of interaction should be avoided, as it can encourage manatees to approach boats and people more frequently, putting both the animals and humans at risk.

  • The video was captured on April 14, 2026.

The players

Bradenton Police Department

The local law enforcement agency whose officers encountered the manatee drinking from their boat.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that while manatees are beloved marine mammals, maintaining a safe distance and not interfering with their natural behaviors is crucial for the protection of both the animals and the public.