Crews looking for manatee with bicycle tire wrapped around its body

ORANGE CITY, Fla. — A rescue team was not able to find a manatee with a bicycle tire stuck around its midsection Wednesday.

Crews spent Tuesday trying to rescue the manatee that was spotted at Blue Spring State Park, but were unsuccessful.

Watch: 9 facts about manatees

The rescue team comprises the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, SeaWorld, the Save the Manatee Club and Volusia County government.

SeaWorld said it will continue to try to rescue the animal, which some have nicknamed Wheelie. Once captured, the manatee will be taken to SeaWorld for treatment.

Park officials said even though manatees often appear relaxed, they can be hard to catch because they’re strong, and can swim fast if they want to.

Experts said they hope the manatee will return to the spring’s warmer water when the weather cools down.

Watch: Manatees caught on video huddling together to stay warm

© 2019 Cox Media Group