Scientists use these scar patterns to identify them. Warm, shallow rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal waters. Usually don't live in waters that are below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Often found in the warm waters released by power plants. Live in Florida's coastal waters during winter and migrate either as far north as North or South Carolina or as far west as Louisiana during summer months.
Manatees are herbivores and eat marine and freshwater plants.
Gentle, slow-moving, graceful swimmers. Body surf or barrel roll when playing. Squeal underwater to communicate fear, stress or excitement to one another. Sailors once thought manatees were the mythical sirens, or mermaids, because of their shape and squeals. Surface every ten minutes to breathe.