This gentle animal lives in the warm waters near the southeastern coast of the United States. An adult can be as long as 12 feet and can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds. Manatees feed on floating or underwater plants found in coastal inlets, rivers, and bays. However, when they come up for air, manatees can be hurt by motorboat propellers.

West Indian/Florida Manatee

 

Top of Page