Florida Manatees

The Florida manatee faces a serious threat of extinction and while they are protected by federal and state laws, their numbers continue to be threatened by loss of habitat, careless anglers and increasing boat traffic on the Florida waterways.

These shy, slow and almost blind mammals are vulnerable to being hit by boats when they surface, and its common to see propeller scars across their backs.

They have large, plump, greyish colored bodies, a beaver-like tail and two small forelimbs. The large upper lip is covered with small whiskers. An adult male manatee may be about 11 to 12 feet (3 - 3.5 meters) long and weigh around 1000 pounds (450 kg)

Manatees are herbivores and consume 10% to 15% of their body weight each day. Females give birth to only one calf at a time and only every two to five years. They have no natural enemies except humans.

The best manatee viewing is at Blue Springs State Park, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and along the Crystal River. They spend November to March in the parks' springs and in warmer periods, they can also be found in the St Johns River.