Manatees, sometimes referred to as sea cows and believed to be the origin of the mermaid myths, are believed to be making a comeback.  Though frequently seen in the warmer waters of Florida, Charleston does see its share of these marine mammals as well.  In the summer, manatees tend to migrate north from Florida, and there are approximately 75 to 100 sightings each year in South Carolina.  Presently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is recommending its status to be downgraded to threatened from endangered, however many of these slow moving creatures are severely injured and or killed by propeller boat strikes each year.  When boating, please not only vigilant of potential boating hazards, but of these protected gentle creatures as well.