Manatees are large aquatic mammals known for inhabiting shallow coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries across various regions, including Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of the Amazon and West Africa. These gentle creatures typically measure between 9 to 13 feet in length and can weigh over 1,000 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 3,500 pounds. Their bodies are gray to brown, streamlined with two front flippers for steering and a large paddle-shaped tail for propulsion. Manatees are often observed moving slowly as they graze on aquatic vegetation.
The Gentle Giants of the Waterways
Manatees are non-aggressive and pose no threat to humans, earning them the nickname “gentle giants.” There are no recorded instances of unprovoked manatee attacks on humans or other animals. Their diet consists entirely of aquatic plants, making them herbivores. Manatees possess only molars, specialized for grinding tough vegetation, and lack canines or incisors.
These animals evolved in environments largely free of natural predators, leading to a lack of predator avoidance behaviors. Despite their size, manatees are docile and more likely to retreat or change course when approached than to confront. Rare incidents of injury to humans have occurred during rescue, rehabilitation, or research efforts, or from accidental movements of their powerful tails if too close. Their curious nature may lead them to approach swimmers or divers, but this is an expression of their peaceful disposition.
Protecting Manatees: How Humans Can Help
The primary risks associated with manatees are those they face from human activities. Boat strikes are a leading cause of manatee deaths, with propellers causing severe injuries or fatalities, as manatees often feed in shallow waters where boat traffic is common. Habitat loss due to coastal development and pollution, such as harmful algal blooms from agricultural runoff, also threatens their food sources and overall health. Entanglement in discarded fishing gear and ingestion of plastic debris can lead to severe injury or death.
To protect manatees, observe them from a respectful distance, generally at least 50 feet. Feeding or providing water to manatees can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and make them more vulnerable to human-related dangers. Adhering to slow-speed zones in designated manatee areas helps boaters prevent collisions. Manatees are protected under federal laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which prohibit harassment, harm, or killing of these animals.