They have few natural enemies, except man. Their big appetites and grazing helps to keep waterways free and flowing. When they aren't eating, they are usually sleeping. However, they are known to body surf. Because of their need for warm water, manatees often congregate in the warm water effluents from power plants.
Manatees communicate with squeaks and squeals.
They embrace with their flippers. The manatee population is currently less than 2,000 and they are extremely endangered. Since 1985, manatees' deaths have averaged over 100 per year. Scientists believe that more manatees are dying each year than the population can support without serious decline. Manatee birth rate is quite slow, since females give birth to a single calf only every two to three years, and calves remain dependent for two years.