Florida Manatee

Manatee population in the united states reached a low in the 1970 s during which only a few hundred individuals lived in the nation.

Florida manatee. It is illegal under federal and florida law to injure or harm a manatee. Tampa electric s manatee viewing center is a designated manatee sanctuary to which large numbers of manatees in florida return annually to the warm discharge waters of the big bend power station. The amazonian manatee species inhabit the amazon river and the african manatee swims along the west coast. Florida manatees can be.

Florida manatee present in kings bay and crystal river nwr year round but highest aggregation november march approx. The florida manatee florida s state marine mammal is a large aquatic relative of the elephant. One of the most popular spots to see florida s famous manatee residents blue springs state park covers more than 2 600 acres. Summer months approx.

The florida manatee trichechus manatus latirostris is a subspecies of the west indian manatee trichechus manatus manatus. Viewing platforms tidal walkways and an environmental education center are located at this 50 acre facility. Tourists and residents alike seek encounters with manatees in the wild or visit zoos and aquaria to view captives. Latirostris and the antillean or caribbean manatee t.

Manatees are grayish brown in color and have thick wrinkled skin on which there is often a growth of algae. Some wild manatees become accustomed to humans and will swim among snorkelers and anchored boats seeking to be rubbed and scratched. The west indian manatee ranges along the north american east coast from florida to brazil. As of february 2016 6 250 manatees were reported swimming in florida s springs.

Manatus based on genetic and. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy florida s warm coastal waters and springs you might have the opportunity to see a unique species of marine mammal the florida manatee a subspecies of the west indian manatee. The west indian manatee trichechus manatus or sea cow also known as north american manatee is the largest surviving member of the aquatic mammal order sirenia which also includes the dugong and the extinct steller s sea cow it is further divided into two subspecies the florida manatee t. They also have powerful flat tails that help propel them through the water.

Florida manatees have been the subject of much. Manatees are herbivores feeding solely on seagrass algae and other vegetation in freshwater and estuarine systems in the southeastern united states. The florida manatee a subspecies of the west indian manatee is a large slow moving marine mammal with an elongated round body and paddle shaped flippers and tail. Located north of orlando in orange city this park is a designated manatee refuge where during winter months from november to march visitors can come and see the growing population of west indian manatees at the spring s overlooks.