An estimated eight-foot-long West Indian manatee made an easygoing Monday afternoon cruise past waterside homes along the Amite River Diversion Canal in lower Ascension and Livingston parishes, attracting onlookers to the uncommon visit.

The manatee was one of three spotted by the public since Thursday in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin that Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff are trying to find and relocate before the water turns too cold, officials said.

Others were seen Sunday near Marina Road in Chalmette and on Thursday next to the Causeway Bridge near Metairie, he said, and all are candidates to be relocated to Florida.

"Staff are coordinating with (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Florida Wildlife Commission, Seaworld Orlando, Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Audubon Nature I

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