Rare Sighting: Juvenile Manatee Appears in Waccamaw River

June 5, 2026 BC News Staff Horry County, News, Outdoor 0

By BC News Staff Writer

CONWAY, SC — Boaters and visitors near the Conway Outpost & Marina were treated to a rare wildlife encounter this week when a young manatee made an unexpected appearance in the Waccamaw River.

The sighting occurred on Thursday, June 4, when witnesses spotted a 4-to-5-foot juvenile manatee repeatedly surfacing near the marina’s pier and boat ramp. Onlookers reported that the marine mammal circled the immediate area, entertaining visitors before eventually moving back out into deeper water.

While manatees are traditionally associated with warmer coastal ecosystems, officials with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) note that these gentle giants are seasonal visitors to the Palmetto State, typically migrating north as river water temperatures rise. According to SCDNR data, manatee sightings in South Carolina have been increasing in recent years, with 289 reports documented by the agency in 2025. The calm, warm environment of the Waccamaw River serves as an appealing temporary stopover during these seasonal migrations.

Strict Protection and Safety Reminders

Because manatees are slow-moving and tend to cruise just beneath the surface—frequently obscured by murky river water—the public is urged to practice extreme caution.

Wildlife officials emphasize the following critical safety guidelines for local boaters and residents:

Watch for “Footprints”: Boaters should wear polarized sunglasses to cut down on water glare. Keep a sharp lookout for circular ripples or swirls on the water’s surface, known as “manatee footprints,” which indicate an animal is swimming just below.
Navigate with Caution: Always strictly observe “slow speed” and “no wake” zones, particularly when navigating shallow waters along marsh edges or near docks and marina boat ramps.
Never Feed or Water: It is illegal to feed manatees or give them fresh water from a hose. Providing fresh water habituates the animals to docks and boats, significantly increasing their risk of sustaining boat strikes.

How to Report Sightings

While no further sightings have been confirmed as of Friday, June 5, SCDNR biologists note that manatees will often remain in the same general vicinity for several days.

The community is encouraged to assist state biologists in tracking migration patterns by reporting any new sightings. Reports can be submitted directly through the SCDNR online manatee sighting form.

If you encounter an animal that appears injured, entangled, or stranded, do not attempt to intervene yourself. Contact local wildlife law enforcement immediately to report the animal’s condition.

Editor’s Note: The feature image accompanying this report is an optimized snapshot from the actual sighting captured at the scene. Photo credit: Harlee Holtzclaw.