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  Manatees

The gentle manatee lives in the rivers, bays, and coastal areas of the southeastern United States to northeastern South America, including the Caribbean Sea. Florida waters are home to year-round populations of manatees. During the winter months, some manatees migrate up Florida’s rivers to reach warm springs.

Manatees can be seen drifting alone or in loosely organized groups. They communicate with each other through a series of squeaks, squeals, and screams. When playing, manatees nuzzle and nibble each other, sometimes even embracing with their flippers.

manatee pic

Peaceful creatures with no natural enemies, manatees are in danger. They face serious habitat problems that include riverbank development, pollution, and destruction of sea grasses. Boating poses the biggest threat to manatee survival. Powerboat use in Florida is booming as the human population in the state increases steadily. Even with speed restrictions in manatee areas, many manatees bear scars from boat propellers. Large boats and barges can trap and crush manatees in shallow water.

A female manatee is fertile for a two-week period, during which she mates with several males. After 150 to 180 days she gives birth to a single calf. The attachment between mother and calf is strong. Immediately following the underwater birth, the calf must reach the surface for air. The mother assists the calf in doing this. A baby manatee can weigh between 26 and 60 pounds (11.8 and 27.2 kilograms). Calves are nursed at the mother’s breast for the first few months. After this time, a calf begins to graze but still nurses from its mother. The two stay together for as long as two years.

Much needs to be done to ensure the survival of the manatee. In Florida, speed limits have been imposed in areas where manatees may dwell. In some areas boating is prohibited in manatee sanctuaries during winter months. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working hard to educate boaters, swimmers, and divers about manatees.