Manatees

Manatees are large, gentle marine mammals. They are sometimes called sea cows because they slowly graze on underwater plants. Manatees can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Despite their size, they are peaceful and harmless.

Gentle Giants

Manatees spend about 8 hours a day eating sea grasses and other water plants. They can eat up to 100 pounds of plants each day! Manatees are found in warm, shallow waters of rivers, bays, and coastal areas. They must surface to breathe every few minutes.

Conservation

Manatees are endangered, mainly because of boat strikes and habitat loss. Many manatees have scars from boat propellers. Laws now require boats to slow down in manatee areas. Conservation efforts are helping manatee populations slowly recover.

Fun Facts

• Manatees are related to elephants.
• They replace their teeth continuously throughout life.
• Manatees can eat up to 100 pounds of plants per day.

Did You Know?

Manatees are the only marine mammals that are herbivores. They are closely related to elephants, and you can see the similarity in their thick, wrinkled skin and toenail-like nails!