Dead manatee washes up on Assateague Island

This week for the second time ever a manatee was found dead in Maryland, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The stranded animal was first seen Oct. 27 on Assateague Island near the Maryland-Virginia border. High tide brought it back out to sea, and then it washed back in about a half mile north, where it was discovered again Oct. 29.

It isn't uncommon to see manatees in Maryland waters during the summer — at least two were spotted this year, one in the Chesapeake Bay and one in Ocean City — however the animals typically head back south as the weather cools.

The circumstances surrounding the stranding are unknown, the Department of Natural Resources said in a release. A necropsy is being performed at the Smithsonian Institution by state veterinarians, volunteer veterinarians and others, officials said.

When complete, the skeletal remains of the manatee will go into the Smithsonian collection.

While the cause of the manatee's death is pending while the necropsy is being completed, the Department of Natural Resources said cold stress is likely a contributing factor.

Collisions with watercraft, habitat loss, disease and toxic algal blooms are other threats to the manatee population. Manatees are endangered, and protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

If you see a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle, you can report it in Maryland by calling 1-800-628-9944.