Florida Manatee
The Florida manatee moves between rivers, estuaries, springs, and seagrass beds, surfacing quietly in waters shared with boats.
Artwork inspired by A. E. Backus
A paddle-shaped tail, paired flippers, whiskered muzzle, and slowly replaced molars suit a large aquatic herbivore. Manatees feed in fresh, brackish, and salt water, but cold sensitivity draws many into Florida springs, passive thermal basins, and warm-water refuges during winter.
The best encounter is calm and passive. Keep the legal distance, never touch, chase, water, or feed a manatee, and reduce boat speed in marked habitat. A circular scar or missing tail section may record a vessel strike; clear sightings of injured or entangled animals should go to trained responders, not social media crowds.
- Tail
- Broad and paddle-shaped
- Food
- Seagrasses and other aquatic plants
- Winter need
- Reliable warm-water refuge
Quick guide
- Watch for noses
- A small breath and widening rings may be the first clue.
- Float, do not pursue
- Let an animal choose whether to pass at distance.
Recognize and observe
- Watch for noses
- A small breath and widening rings may be the first clue.
- Float, do not pursue
- Let an animal choose whether to pass at distance.
- Read the zone
- Slow-speed signs mark habitat, not merely boating inconvenience.
- Report distress
- Use the official wildlife hotline for injury or entanglement.
Good to know
A dense gathering at a spring reflects thermal necessity. Entering the group, blocking exits, or seeking contact can disrupt resting animals.
Notice these
- Broad and paddle-shaped
- Seagrasses and other aquatic plants
- Reliable warm-water refuge