Everyone’s Favorite Mammal – the Trichechus manatus

Florida provides habitat for many beautiful, unique and unusual wildlife species. One of the most unique, and beloved, is Trichechus manatus – the West Indian manatee. It is estimated that there are between 2,000 and 3,000 manatees that inhabit Florida’s rivers, springs, aquatic preserves and coastal waters.

With marine vegetation as their primary food source, manatees are attracted to the varietal assortment found throughout Florida’s aquatic preserves. Grazing in the shallow, marshy estuaries they dine on delicacies such as turtle grass, algae and mangrove leaves.

The Banana River Aquatic Preserve has recorded the largest population of east coast manatees, ranging from 300-500 in the spring, and many of those stay there year-round. Thompson and Dodson Creek in the Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve are a designated manatee sanctuary and the local waterways serve as important travel corridors.

Portions of the St. Johns River that lie within the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve have also been designated as a manatee sanctuary. The sanctuary protects the gentle giants with restricted speed zones and prohibits motor boats.

Manatees can be spotted at several Florida’s state parks, but there are two that seem to be preferred by the vast majority. Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is a favorite winter home for manatees seeking the warmer, crystal clear waters. From November through February guests flock to the park to catch a glimpse of the massive sea cows who have warmed the hearts of young and old alike with their whiskered snouts and cumbersome bodies.

Another favorite hangout is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Several manatees are temporarily kept there for rehabilitation before being released back into the wild, while others have taken up permanent residency preferring the constant year-round 72 degree springs temperature. Park visitors can view the manatees and thousands of fish from the floating underwater observatory commonly referred to as the ‘Fish Bowl.’

“We are fortunate in Florida to be able to observe manatees in their natural habitats and in state parks such as Homassassa Springs,” said Mike Bullock, Director of Florida State Parks. “I encourage residents and visitors to the state to visit a state park to learn more about this unique species.”

Visiting any one of Florida’s waterways could provide that lucky glimpse of the beloved sea cow, but for a summer vacation in mind that includes seeing one of the most unique sea creatures alive, a stop in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park will be sure to fulfill that quest.