Ilya, the adventurous Florida manatee that showed up this summer in the upper Chesapeake Bay, may have ventured too far this time.

The sea cow, which visited Havre de Grace and Perryville in July, reportedly had been sighted as far north as Massachusetts and in New York harbor.  Last week, it was seen hanging around an oil refinery outfall pipe in New Jersey. Scientists identified the manatee by its distinctive scarring and speculated that it was there seeking warmth as water temperatures dropped.

Worried for the mammal's survival , wildlife officials had planned late last week to try to capture Ilya and return him to warmer waters in South Florida.  But then a nor'easter hit the East Coast, and the animal hasn't been seen since Friday.  Authorities hope the manatee is headed south on its own.  Phone home, Ilya.  Better yet, head home, if it isn't too late already.