Gulfport Institute Studying Manatee Deaths

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — The recent deaths of two manatees in northern Gulf of Mexico waters are being studied by staffers at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport.

One manatee was found dead in Mobile Bay on Christmas day. The other was found alive near Moss Point in the Pascagoula River, but died as it was being taken to the institute.

Veterinarian Connie Chevis told WLOX television that recent colder temperatures may have been a factor in the deaths. She said the manatees should have migrated to warmer waters but may have been lost or too weak to move.