BELMAR, N.J. – A Florida manatee was spotted taking in the sights of the New Jersey shore earlier this week. Experts believe this could be the same manatee that was seen earlier in the summer as far north as Cape Cod, Massachusetts .

The marine mammal was spotted this past Sunday and Monday by several people in the waters around Belmar , and photos of the manatee went viral on social media.

The creature even paid a visit to one family along the Shark River.

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• next Image 1 of 6 Manatee spotted by family near Belmar, New Jersey. (Josh Vallario)

• prev next Image 2 of 6 Manatee spotted by family near Belmar, New Jersey. (Josh Vallario)

• prev next Image 3 of 6 Manatee spotted by family near Belmar, New Jer

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