Manatees are large, aquatic mammals often seen in coastal waters. Despite their size, they are gentle creatures and not dangerous to humans, a fact understood by examining their nature and behavior.
Manatee Nature and Behavior
Manatees are herbivores, feeding exclusively on aquatic vegetation like seagrasses, algae, and freshwater plants. They spend five to eight hours daily grazing, consuming 4% to 10% of their body weight. This diet contributes to their peaceful disposition, as they do not need to hunt or exhibit aggressive behaviors.
Manatees are slow-moving, typically gliding at 3 to 5 miles per hour. While capable of bursts up to 15 or 20 miles per hour, their usual pace reflects a calm temperament. Their curious nature often leads them to gently investigate their surroundings, including humans.
Manatees have few natural predators. Young manatees are rarely preyed upon by sharks, alligators, or crocodiles, but adults are protected by their size and shallow water habitats. They lack sharp teeth or claws for defense. This absence of significant threats means they have not developed aggressive defensive mechanisms.
Accidental Encounters
While manatees are not aggressive, their large size can lead to unintentional physical contact. An adult can be up to 14 feet long and weigh 3,000 pounds. Any perceived danger results from an accidental bump, not hostile intent. Manatees are curious and may approach swimmers or boats, driven by inquisitiveness, not aggression.
Conversely, human activity poses a substantial threat to manatees. Boat collisions are a primary cause of injury and mortality. Many manatees bear scars from propellers and hulls; studies show over 96% of adult Florida manatees have evidence of at least one boat strike. Despite sensitive hearing, manatees may not always detect approaching vessels, especially in shallow waters where sound distorts.
Other human-related dangers include entanglement in fishing gear, like lines and nets, and marine debris ingestion. These accidental interactions can cause severe injuries or death. The primary threat in manatee-human encounters consistently comes from human actions, underscoring their passive nature.
Safe Interaction Guidelines
To ensure the safety of both humans and manatees, follow specific guidelines. Observe manatees from a distance, avoiding direct physical contact. Maintain at least 10 feet to allow them to behave naturally without stress. If a manatee approaches, remain still and let the animal control the interaction.
Feeding manatees or offering them water is prohibited. Such actions alter their natural foraging behaviors, causing them to associate humans with food and making them less wary of boats. Touching manatees can be detrimental, potentially removing protective algae from their skin or leading to habituation, which increases their risk in human-dominated waterways.
Manatees are protected under federal and state laws. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal, including manatees. The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act further safeguards them. Any action disrupting their natural behavior is harassment, punishable by fines or imprisonment.