Manatees are large aquatic mammals often called Sea Cows because
they look like big cows that live in the water. In fact, they are related to
the elephant. Their head is small, with a square nose. They have a snout and rounded
flippers that are close to the head. Adults range in length from 2.5 to
4.5 m and may reach nearly 700 kg in weight.
Manatees are slow moving creatures that feed on aquatic vegetation in
shallow waters of Florida and in hot springs during the winter months. They’ll
die if they are in less than 70F water. The skin of the Manatees can be grey
or dark brown, sometimes streaked or spotted with white.
Manatees do not have babies until they are 5 years old. They only have
one calf every two to five years.
Manatees are an endangered species. There are only 2,200 Manatees left in
the World. They are growing in numbers but very slowly. They have no enemies
except humans. Because they move slowly, they can not get out of the way
of motor boat propellers that are putting big gashes into their backs
and sometimes killing them.
If this species is to survive, humans must take precautions to prevent
hitting these gentle beasts and stop destroying their natural habitat.
Fishing gear, dredging, pollution, and flood control structures have become their enemies.