The marine mammal often called the “sea cow” is a large, gray aquatic animal found in warm, shallow coastal waters and rivers. Manatees can grow to over 13 feet long and weigh more than 3,000 pounds, leading some to question their potential for aggression due to their sheer size. Despite their imposing appearance, manatees are overwhelmingly docile, placid, and non-aggressive creatures. They pose virtually no threat to humans, and any perception of danger usually stems from a misunderstanding of their natural behaviors.
Defining Manatee Temperament
Manatees are non-territorial herbivores, meaning their diet and physiology do not align with aggressive or predatory behavior. Their primary daily activities revolve around feeding on aquatic vegetation for six to eight hours and resting for up to twelve hours. This slow-moving, gentle nature is directly linked to their low metabolic rate, which dictates a calm, energy-conserving lifestyle.
These animals are best described as semi-social, often found alone or in temporary, loosely formed groups that gather and disperse casually. They are highly inquisitive and may approach humans or boats out of simple curiosity rather than hostility. This inherent lack of fear and their tendency to investigate new things contributes to their reputation as “gentle giants” of the sea.
Their feeding habits further illustrate their peaceful disposition. They use flexible, bristled lips and front flippers to manipulate and graze on plants. An adult manatee consumes between four and nine percent of its body weight in wet vegetation every day. This continual grazing requires no confrontational defense mechanisms, a trait reflected in their overall tranquil demeanor.
Misinterpretations of Behavior
The most common source of the misconception that manatees can be aggressive is the observation of a “mating herd,” sometimes called a “mating ball.” This phenomenon occurs when a single female manatee (cow) enters estrus and is pursued by a dozen or more males (bulls) for a period that can last up to three weeks. The resulting scene appears chaotic, with multiple large animals thrashing, rolling, and splashing violently in the water.
This intense activity is not aggression directed toward humans or other species, but rather fierce competition among the males. The bulls push and shove one another in an effort to reach the female, who may also thrash as she tries to escape her many suitors. The resulting commotion in shallow water can easily be mistaken for an attack or distress by uninformed observers, but it is a natural reproductive drive.
Manatees are large, air-breathing mammals that must regularly surface to exchange air, a process that can be sudden and dramatic. When a manatee weighing a thousand pounds or more surfaces quickly near a small vessel or swimmer, the sheer size and resulting water displacement can create a startling experience. This sudden appearance is purely a biological necessity for respiration and is not an attempt to intimidate or attack.
Manatee Interactions with Humans and Boats
Since manatees are not aggressive, the danger in their habitat is almost entirely directed toward them, with human activity posing the greatest threat to their survival. Boat collisions are the leading cause of manatee injuries and mortality, resulting in severe propeller cuts and blunt-force trauma to their slow-moving bodies. Manatees are often unable to detect fast-moving vessels or react quickly enough to avoid a strike.
To protect these animals, federal and state laws make it illegal to harass, feed, or otherwise disturb manatees, with harassment defined as any act that alters their natural behavior. This includes approaching them too closely or attempting to touch them, even if they initiate the contact. Violations of these protections can result in significant fines and jail time.
Boating Guidelines
When operating vessels in manatee habitats, passive observation is the only acceptable form of interaction. People must maintain a respectful distance to ensure safety and compliance.
- Obey all posted speed restrictions, including slow-speed and no-wake zones, to reduce the risk of collision.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet from manatees when in a boat.
- Wear polarized sunglasses to better spot manatees beneath the surface.
- Have a dedicated spotter to look for signs of manatees, such as a swirl of water or a snout breaking the surface.