However, it may be found during the ocean summer months on the Gulf side as far west as Alabama, and on the Atlantic side as far north as Virginia and the Carolinas. The West Indian manatee may also be found in the inland and coastal waterways of South America. DIET Manatees do not have any set daily routines and will feed, rest and perform other activities throughout the day and night. However, during cold winter spells activities such as feeding may be effected by temperature change. Studies show manatees will feed in different waters at different hours to conserve energy.
Manatees are completely herbivorous.
They eat aquatic plants and can consume ten to fifteen percent of their own body weight each day. Seagrass beds are important feeding sites many of which are subject to pollution . Many of these feeding areas are also vulnerable to destruction by dredge and fill activities. The West Indian manatee has a very extensive range, stretching from the southern United States through the Caribbean Islands, eastern Central America and the northern shores of South America. Several have been sited in Puerto Rico and as far south as Rio de Janeiro.