Manatees are large, gentle marine mammals often called “sea cows” for their herbivorous diet. They typically inhabit warm, shallow coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries. They possess two flippers for steering and a paddle-shaped tail for propulsion. Adult manatees can reach lengths of 9 to 10 feet and weigh around 1,000 pounds. Their grayish-brown, wrinkled skin often has algae growing on it.
Manatee Presence in North Carolina
Manatees are sighted in North Carolina waters, primarily as seasonal visitors. These are Florida manatees extending their range northward in warmer months. Sightings have increased in recent years, particularly since 2010. North Carolina is considered part of their northernmost range in the United States.
Manatees have been observed along the entire North Carolina coast. While their principal stronghold remains Florida, an increasing number of these large marine mammals are making their way to North Carolina. This presence is generally observed from late spring through the fall, with most occurrences reported from June through October.
Seasonal Movements and Preferred Habitats
Manatees migrate northward as water temperatures rise in late spring and summer. They cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68°F (20°C) for extended periods, as prolonged exposure can lead to fatal “cold stress.” This temperature sensitivity drives their movement south to warmer refuges in Florida when waters cool in the fall.
In North Carolina, manatees seek habitats with warm water and abundant aquatic vegetation. They are commonly found in brackish waters of estuaries, bays, and the lower portions of large rivers. Specific areas include the Intracoastal Waterway, nearshore ocean waters, tidal creeks, and lower reaches of rivers. The extensive seagrass meadows and other aquatic plants in North Carolina’s sounds and rivers provide ample foraging opportunities for these visitors.
Protecting Manatees in North Carolina
Manatees face several threats in North Carolina waters, including boat strikes, cold stress, and entanglement in fishing gear. Their slow-moving nature and tendency to spend time near the surface make them vulnerable to collisions with watercraft. As water temperatures drop in the fall, manatees that linger too long in northern waters are at high risk of cold stress.
Conservation efforts in North Carolina involve multiple agencies working to monitor and protect these animals. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) are among the organizations involved. Public involvement is important for manatee conservation. Reporting sightings helps biologists track migration patterns and understand how manatees utilize North Carolina waters.
If a manatee is sighted, the public is advised to report it to the North Carolina marine mammal stranding hotline at 910-515-7354 or 252-241-5119. It is important to maintain a respectful distance, avoid touching or feeding them, and adhere to slow-speed zones in waterways where manatees might be present.