Manatees are large, gentle aquatic mammals known for their calm demeanor and herbivorous diet. Often referred to as “sea cows,” these fascinating creatures navigate various aquatic environments, including rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. Their activity patterns are influenced by daily needs and environmental conditions, shaping when and where they can be observed.
Daily Routines and Activity
Manatees typically spend their days engaged in three primary activities: feeding, resting, and traveling. They are herbivores that devote approximately six to eight hours daily to consuming aquatic vegetation. The remainder of their day involves resting, which can last anywhere from two to twelve hours. During rest, manatees may suspend themselves near the water’s surface or lie on the bottom.
Manatees do not adhere to strict diurnal (daytime) or nocturnal (nighttime) patterns; their activities occur intermittently throughout the 24-hour cycle. When resting, they often surface for air every 20 minutes, conserving energy. Traveling typically occurs at a slow pace, usually between three to five miles per hour, though they can achieve short bursts of speed up to 20 miles per hour. Beyond these core activities, manatees also investigate their surroundings and engage in social interactions.
Seasonal Shifts in Behavior
Manatee activity levels and locations change with the seasons, primarily driven by water temperature. Manatees are sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to water below 68°F (20°C). When temperatures drop, typically from November through March, they migrate to warm-water refuges to avoid a potentially fatal condition known as “cold stress syndrome.” These critical warm areas include natural springs, which maintain a consistent temperature around 72°F (22°C), and artificial sources like power plant discharge canals.
During colder months, large numbers of manatees congregate in these refuges. For example, Crystal River and Homosassa Springs host hundreds or even a thousand manatees during cold snaps. As water temperatures begin to rise in spring (April to June), manatees disperse from their winter havens. They move into coastal waters and estuaries, where they find abundant seagrass and other aquatic vegetation to feed.
During the summer months (July to September), manatees are widely distributed across Florida’s waterways and can even travel as far north as Massachusetts or west to Texas. As fall approaches (October to November) and temperatures start to decline, manatees begin their return journey to their winter refuges. This annual migration pattern shows their strong connection to warm-water sites and summer foraging grounds.
Environmental Factors Guiding Activity
Water temperature is a primary driver of manatee activity, directly influencing their migratory movements. They seek warm water when ambient temperatures drop below 68°F, which is necessary for their survival due to their low metabolic rate and limited fat insulation.
Food availability also plays a significant role in guiding manatee activity. Manatees primarily consume seagrasses and other aquatic plants. They travel between warm-water sites and nearby vegetated habitats to forage. Changes in food sources, such as seagrass decline due to pollution, can lead to dietary shifts and impact their health and distribution.
Reproductive activity also influences manatee behavior, particularly during mating season. While manatees can breed year-round, increased mating activity often occurs during warmer months, typically from spring through early fall. During this time, a single female may be pursued by multiple males, forming a “mating herd” that can create considerable commotion as males compete. This intense activity is a natural part of their reproductive process, leading them to be less aware of their surroundings.