In 2005, the Sunshine State declared November Manatee Awareness Month to promote the protection of Florida’s official marine mammal. The Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is a large, slow-moving marine mammal with an elongated, round body and paddle-shaped flippers and tail. Manatees are herbivores, feeding solely on seagrass, algae and other vegetation in freshwater and estuarine systems in the southeastern United States. Full-grown manatees weigh between 800 to 3,500 pounds and reach 10-13 feet in length. Females are larger than males. Manatees can hold their breath for approximately 20 minutes; however, they regularly breathe every few minutes.
Florida manatees can be found as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts during summer but in the winter they congregate in Florida’s warm water habitats as they have relatively little body fat and a low metabolic rate. Loss of warm water habitats, decreasing food, red tides and unusually cold weather threaten manatees, and many die from being hit by boaters. Report sick, injured, dead, tagged, orphaned, or harassed manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 24 hours a day, seven days a week: call 1-888-404-3922. Cellular phone customers: *FWC or #FWC.
The relationship between a mother and baby is a strong social bond. Gestation is 12 months before birth, and the baby will be about 4-4.5 feet long and weigh between 60-70 pounds. For one-two years, the baby (calf) stays close to Mom, learning food locations, rest areas and warm weather refuges.
If you see a manatee, simply enjoy the moment, and appreciate their grace and beauty. Do not reach out to the manatee; keep a safe distance. For more on Florida’s manatees go to Steve Traiman’s PN article in June/July 2022. www.paradisenewsfl.com/record-manatee-deaths