Manatees are large, gentle aquatic mammals that spend most of their lives submerged, grazing on aquatic vegetation. While powerful swimmers, their physiology is highly adapted to an aquatic existence, making being out of water a serious situation. Understanding their unique needs helps appreciate the challenges they face when removed from their natural habitat.
How Long Manatees Can Survive Out of Water
Manatees can survive only a limited time out of water, typically a few hours, depending on environmental conditions. Their massive bodies, which can weigh up to 1,300 pounds, are supported by the buoyancy of water. On land, this immense weight can compress internal organs and impede proper respiration.
Manatees also lack a thick layer of blubber for insulation, making them susceptible to rapid temperature changes, leading to overheating or cold stress. Their respiratory system is designed for an aquatic environment, allowing them to hold their breath for extended periods underwater, but not for prolonged air exposure. Their skin requires constant moisture; prolonged exposure to air can lead to rapid drying and dehydration.
Dangers of Being Stranded
Being stranded presents significant physiological dangers. Without water’s support, their body weight can cause internal damage, including organ compression and circulatory issues. This lack of buoyancy can result in muscle and skeletal strain, compromising their ability to move or breathe effectively.
Dehydration is an immediate threat, as their skin is not adapted to prolonged air exposure, leading to a rapid loss of moisture from their bodies. Temperature regulation becomes challenging; they can quickly suffer from hyperthermia if exposed to direct sunlight or hypothermia if ambient temperatures are low. Manatees have a low metabolic rate and do not possess the thick blubber layer found in many other marine mammals, leaving them vulnerable to temperature extremes.
Stranded manatees are also vulnerable to external threats. They can become easy targets for predation, though this is less common in human-populated areas. Human interference can pose a threat, as well-meaning but uninformed individuals might attempt to push the animals back into the water, causing further injury or stress. Prolonged stranding can also lead to starvation if they cannot access their aquatic plant diet.
What to Do if You Encounter a Stranded Manatee
If you encounter a stranded manatee, the primary action is to contact the appropriate authorities immediately. Do not attempt to push the manatee back into the water or interact with it, as this can cause further injury or put yourself at risk. Manatees are powerful animals, and mishandling them can worsen their condition or prevent professional rescuers from providing proper care.
In Florida, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). If you are outside Florida but within the Gulf states, regional hotlines are available:
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network for Alabama or Mississippi (1-866-493-5803)
- Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (1-800-9MAMMAL)
Provide precise location details and any observations about the manatee’s condition.
While waiting for professional help, maintain a safe distance. If possible and safe, providing shade to protect the manatee from direct sunlight can be helpful, but only if it does not further stress the animal or put you in danger. Authorities may advise keeping the manatee’s skin moist by gently pouring water over it, but only if specifically instructed by the rescue team and using freshwater. Your role is to report and observe, allowing trained experts to assess and manage the situation safely and effectively.