Manatees

Manatees are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. The West Indian Manatees are found throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and along the northern coast of South America.

The Florida Manatee, which is a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee, congregates in Florida’s springs and power plant discharge zones during winter, since they cannot survive in water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

This past winter, during out coldest spells, some of our nearby springs had congregations of 300 or more at a time.

During our warmer months they migrate along the U.S. Atlantic coast as far north as Massachusetts, and the Gulf coast as far west as Texas.

They are such gentle giants, and peaceful to watch.

The manatee is protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal. The manatee is also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee. (Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission Viewing Guidelines)

Manatee Education and Information

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Manatees

Have you ever seen a Manatee? If you're ever in Florida during the winter months, particularly late-December through mid-February, let me know, and I'll let you know some of the best locations to see the Manatees.