Manatees are one of Florida’s favorite animals, and they typically migrate into the state’s waterways during winter to stay nice and warm.
These animals are normally docile, and no attack on a human by a manatee has ever been recorded, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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However, these animals can still pose a threat to people under the right conditions.
Manatees can breed and give birth throughout the year, though their typical breeding season falls between March and November, peaking during the summer.
In a breeding herd, many male manatees will crowd around and compete for a single female.
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The threat stems from manatees’ large sizes, as adults range from 9-10 feet long and can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Some have even grown to over 3,500 pounds — about as heavy as an SUV.
They also have strong, “paddle-like” tails that are capable of hurting people, FWC officials told News 6.
While it’s illegal to touch or harass manatees, these breeding herds can sometimes be mistaken for manatees in trouble, which can draw in spectators or people trying to help.
Last year, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office released a video of one such breeding event set to “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye.
However, the FWC cautions people to give them plenty of space.
“Manatees are strong and heavy, and a simple movement like a slap of their fluke (tail) can cause serious injury when hit,” the FWC stated. “Injuries are rare because only trained personnel can work with manatees.”
According to FWC officials, the few reported injuries that have occurred were caused by manatees during rescue, rehab or research efforts.
Boaters are also at risk, as manatees are capable of flipping a vessel — especially if the manatee makes a “sudden, forceful movement to get out of harm’s way,” the FWC reports.
Manatees don’t usually chase after vessels, but they can sometimes approach boats out of curiosity.
“It is always a good idea for boaters, personal watercraft and paddle craft users to give manatees space, go slow and look out below for manatees under the water’s surface,” the FWC told News 6.
To avoid these sorts of encounters, the FWC provides the following tips:
- Never offer food or water to manatees
- Clean fish and vessels near docks at designated cleaning stations
- Wear polarized sunglasses to see where manatees are underwater
- Don’t chase after manatees
- Lower your anchor slowly to avoid potentially injuring a sleeping manatee below your vessel
For more information, check out the boater’s guide to living with Florida manatees by clicking here.
For a list of the best places to view manatees, click here.
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