The West Indian Manatee is found in Florida. The name "manatee" probably comes from a word meaning "breast", because this is a sea creature that nurses its young. They're also called sea cows in reference to their large size and slow grazing on vegetation. The scientific name manatus means "having hands", because they are known for use of their flippers. Some species have nails on their front flippers like fingernails for digging and tearing up roots at the bottom of streams. Their large flat tail provides propulsion. Manatees are large aquatic mammals that must surface frequently to breathe. They can stay submerged about 15 min. at a time. They reach 13 feet or more in length and weigh around 1,200 to 3,500 lbs. or more. They thrive mainly on vegetation. They are found in fresh, brakish, or marine water, clear or muddy, and seem to prefer depths of 3 to 9 feet. 75% of manatee deaths in Florida today are caused by boats and barges. In various places manatees are named by their scars. Loss of habitat is probably the most serious long-term threat to their continued survival in Florida. Some manatees are fitted with radio transmitters attached to their tails for tracking. The transmitters have quick release tethers in case the manatee tangles it in weeds. These radios allow researchers to track the manatees' movements and monitor water temperatures. Although a large mammal, the manatee lacks insulating fat. Due to their slow metabolism, they cannot generate a lot of body heat. For these reasons they require minimum water temperatures of about 68 degrees and cannot tolerate water temps below 61 degrees. Manatees have learned to take advantage of power plants with warm-water discharge and other warm water sources in FL for the winter months. This is when they are most visible. During the summer months they go into coastal waters and are less visible.
