If manatees become accustomed to being around people, they can alter their behavior in the wild, perhaps causing them to lose their natural fear of boats and humans, which may make them more susceptible to harm. Closest living relative is the elephant.

Two of the three species of manatees must have access to fresh water to drink on a regular basis. Manatees and dugongs can live as long as 60 years. Manatees, also known as sea cows, typically visit the South Carolina coast in the summer because they love warm water. Watch for large swirls in the water, called footprints, caused by manatees diving away from the boat. Manatees are grayish brown in color and have thick, wrinkled skin on which there is often a growth of algae. June 1, 2015 Feeding, watering manatees is illegal. Manatees have begun returning to their summer haunts along the coast of South Carolina, which means the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is again reminding boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals. Advertisement According to Dr. Katie Tripp with Save the Manatee, they do not drink salt water — they only drink fresh. Feeding and watering manatees is illegal and encourages them to spend time at docks and marinas, … Continued Under these laws, you are not allowed to feed a manatee. Their front flippers help them steer, or sometimes crawl, through shallow water. 2,500 West Indian manatees remain in the wild. They can hold their breath for about 20 minutes, but they usually come to the surface to breathe about every three to five minutes. Two of the three species of manatees must have access to fresh water to drink on a regular basis. Studies indicate that all of the species do consume fresh water for drinking at various points in their life cycle. Watch Queue Queue The calf is dependent on its mother not only for nutrition, but also for learning about feeding and resting areas, travel routes, and warm-water refuges. Because manatees have a very low metabolic rate, it is speculated that Amazonian manatees are able to fast for up to seven months if necessary (O'Shea, 1994). Manatee at my dock. Yes, manatees do get thirsty, even though they live in the water. DNR News ** Archived Article - please check for current information. Adult speed: 3-5 mph (5-8 km/h). Live to be more than 28 years old in the wild. The manatee is able to feed both at the surface of the water and the bottom of it. Look, but don't touch manatees. Also, don't feed manatees or give them water. pursue manatees or chase them from warm water sites; disturb resting manatees; hit, injure, or harm manatees; jump on, stand on, hold on to, or ride manatees; grab or kick manatees; block a manatee's path if one or more moves toward you; hunt or kill manatees; use your vessel to pursue or harass manatees "fish" for or attempt to hook or catch manatees ; Manatees and the law. Unable to tolerate water temperatures below 68°F (20°C). Some Amazonian manatees living in deep bodies of water apparently fast during dry seasons (November and December) when water levels drop as much as 9 to 15 m (30-50 ft.), eliminating their access to vegetation. Any attempt to feed a manatee in Florida is an illegal act that will bring punishment by the authorities. They also have powerful, flat tails that help propel them through the water. Though, Florida Fish and Wildlife were quick to remind everyone that feeding and giving water to manatees is actually illegal. The first manatees of the season have been spotted along the coast of South Carolina, which means the S.C. Department of Natural Resources is again reminding boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals. Dock owners should never feed manatees or give them fresh water. BEING NEAR MANATEES. Feeding and watering manatees is illegal and encourages them to spend time at docks and marinas, making them susceptible to boat strike which is one of the main causes of mortality. As a result, migration for food as well as for fresh water is a big part of survival for the manatee. Feeding or watering manatees alters their behavior, putting them at risk of being hit and killed by a boat as they linger around populated marinas for more feeding opportunities. Manatees are a protected species under the Marine-Mammal Protection Act passed in 1972, Endangered Species Act enacted in 1973, and Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act created in 1978. Both the Florida manatee and the Antillean manatee are endangered. DUNEDIN (FOX 13) - A thirsty manatee made friends with a fisherman and his water hose this week, proving the theory that manatees are the cutest animals in the sea.