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 months. But during the winter, manatees congregate in Florida, as they require warm-water habitats to survive. In spite of their size, manatees have relatively little body fat and a low metabolic rate. Manatees cannot tolerate temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods of time. Due to their slow speed and relatively high buoyancy, manatees are often struck by vessels, which is the primary cause of human-related deaths of the species. Additionally, manatees continue to be threatened by loss of warm-water habitat and periodic die-offs from red tides and unusually cold weather events. Manatees are distant relatives of elephants. You might not think they look alike but if you use your imagination, you will notice they share several characteristics. Both manatees and elephants have tough skin, bristle-like hair covering their entire body, teeth that are continuously being replaced and “toe” nails on each forelimb.
The relationship between a mother and baby is the strongest social bond created by manatees. A mother manatee will carry her baby for about 12 months before she gives birth. When born, the baby will be about 4 – 4.5 feet long and weigh between 60 – 70 pounds. A baby manatee is called a calf. The calf will stay close to the mother for one to two years to learn travel routes and the location of food, rest areas and warm water refuges. Females generally give birth to a single calf every two to five years and twin births are rare. If you see a manatee, simply enjoy the moment and appreciate their grace and beauty. Do not reach out to the manatee. You may teach him/her that all people are kind and respectful, which is unfortunately not true! The best way to enjoy their company is to observe them from a distance. Report sick, injured, dead, tagged, orphaned, or harassed manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: call 1-888-404-3922 Cellular phone customers: *FWC or #FWC.