Manatee Facts: The West Indian Manatee is a large water mammal that can grow up to 13 feet and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Their cylindrical body is grey and tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail with two forelimbs called flippers. They have marching molars for teeth and are completely herbivorous which contributes to their very low body fat. They consume up to 10-15% of their body weight per day. They swim at 5 to 8 miles per hour with bursts up to 20. Normally they surface to breathe every 3 to 5 minutes and can be heard exhaling if you are close enough. When resting they rise to the surface every 15 to 20 minutes or so to breathe without fully waking up. They calve once every 5 years and the young weigh 65 pounds at birth. They nurse for 2 years. Life span is about 60 years. When they congregate there isn’t a formal structure so it is not called a herd or pod. They communicate much like Dolphins.

If you find yourself close to a manatee do not be afraid as they are not a threat. They may, however, come up to, or “Bump” the boat. It seems they are just curious. Usually you’ll just see their head pop up so they can get a breath or you may see a flipper as they turn over in the water.

For more information about Manatees visit 
      www.savethemanatee.org

A Word Of Caution;

It is unwise to approach too close to any wildlife as they can become dangerous if they feel threatened.