The Mobile Manatee Sighting Network (MMSN) is still tracking the movements of the first manatees tagged in Alabama waters, Bama and Bumpy, which is especially critical now as the animals are in danger of venturing into the oiled waters of the Gulf Coast.

Pat Rose, the Executive Director of the Save the Manatees Club, recently accompanied the MMSN on a tracking trip to Apalachicola Bay. Two days later, he independently reported a sighting while flying aerial recon to assess the effects of the oil spill.

As of press time, Bama and Bumpy are still in Apalachicola Bay, Florida; Bumpy is hanging out with other manatees near the mouth of the Bay, and Bama is enjoying the vegetation up further in the creeks. Indications are, however, that the animals may be moving further west, as per their usual migration pattern. MMSN will keep you updated to their movements.

To support the efforts of MMSN, please visit their website to buy a t-shirt or make a donation at manatee.disl.org, now conveniently supported by PayPal. Please continue to call in sightings as well at 866-493-5803.