Wildlife experts are concerned about the high number of manatee deaths in Citrus County.
Nine have died so far this year, including a calf that was stillborn near Yankeetown recently.
At the current rate, up to 30 manatees could die by the end of the year in Citrus. The most manatees lost in the county was 22 in 2008. Last year's number was 16.
Citrus County ranks fourth statewide with manatee deaths. The other counties with high numbers of manatee deaths are Brevard, Lee and Miami-Dade.