Manatees, often called “sea cows,” are large, aquatic mammals known for their calm and gentle nature. They are herbivores, primarily grazing on aquatic plants in warm coastal waters and rivers. There is no evidence or recorded incidents of manatees attacking humans. These animals are naturally curious and may approach humans, which is a sign of their inquisitive character, not aggression.
Manatee Demeanor
Manatees exhibit a non-aggressive and non-territorial demeanor, spending much of their day grazing on aquatic vegetation. They are slow-moving, typically cruising at three to five miles per hour, though they can achieve bursts of up to 18 miles per hour. Their diet consists primarily of various aquatic plants, including seagrasses, water hyacinth, and algae, consuming between 4% and 9% of their body weight daily. They use their flexible lips and front flippers to gather food.
Manatees do not possess biting teeth; instead, they have molars designed for grinding plants, which are continuously replaced due to the abrasive nature of their diet. Despite their large size, averaging 800 to 1,200 pounds and reaching up to 10 feet in length, their movements are deliberate and peaceful. They are semi-social animals, with the primary social unit being a mother and her calf. These characteristics contribute to their reputation as “gentle giants” and explain their lack of aggression towards humans.
Human-Manatee Encounters
Interactions between humans and manatees in the wild are typically peaceful, often initiated by the manatees’ natural curiosity. If a manatee approaches, remain calm and avoid sudden movements, allowing the animal to control the interaction. It is against federal and state laws to harass, feed, or touch manatees.
While manatees are not aggressive, their large size means accidental contact can occur, especially during breeding season when multiple males may crowd around a female. Any perceived “threat” from a manatee is a misunderstanding of their behavior, such as a curious approach or a defensive reaction if they feel cornered. Boaters should remain vigilant in manatee habitats, as collisions with watercraft are a significant cause of manatee injuries and fatalities. Many manatees bear scars from boat encounters, with over 90% of Florida’s adult manatees showing signs of such impacts. Observing manatees from a distance and adhering to slow-speed zones are crucial for responsible interaction and manatee safety.
Protecting Manatees
Manatees are protected by legal frameworks in the United States, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These acts prohibit the harassment, hunting, capture, or killing of manatees and aim to conserve their habitats. In Florida, the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 designates the entire state as a sanctuary, reinforcing protections and establishing regulatory speed zones for boats in manatee-populated areas.
Despite these protections, manatees continue to face threats, primarily from human-related activities such as boat strikes, habitat loss, and entanglement in fishing gear. Boat strikes, for instance, account for a substantial percentage of manatee deaths annually. Conservation efforts focus on public education, enforcement of regulations, and habitat preservation to ensure the survival of these vulnerable marine mammals. The ongoing need for these protections underscores the manatee’s fragile status and their non-threatening nature, reinforcing their role as animals requiring human stewardship.