Manatees (sea cows) are a threatened species. 10-12 feet long, 1500–1800 pounds, live 50-60 years. Greyish brown, thick wrinkled skin on which there is often a growth of algae. Front flippers help steer, crawl in shallow waters. Powerful flat tails help propel.
Manatees play an important role in influencing plant growth in shallow rivers, bays, estuaries, canals, coastal waters they call home.
Unfortunately, many springs have been altered, degraded, even lost due to ground-water pumping for urban, agricultural development. Electric power plants produce artificial sources of warm water. Manatees depend on clean warm waters to spend winters.
Protecting, restoring natural springs, conserving marine freshwater habitat for manatees is vital. Manatees face threats like collisions with boats, habitat loss, fishing gear entanglement, human harassment, red tide, algal blooms, climate change. Greatest long-term threat is loss of clear warm water habitat.
Hope we can be sensitive to Manatee deaths, injuries, harassment, accidents. Take care of orphaned Manatees (gentle giants) as a kind gesture.