Within the United States they are concentrated in Florida during the winter, but can be found in the summer months as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Virginia and the Carolinas. They feed six to eight hours a day. That translates to 54-60 heads per manatee. Carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas and monkey biscuits will round out their diets. It is believed one calf is born every two to five years.
Twins are rare in the wild.
Gestation period is around 13 months. The female raises the calf on her own. Offspring stay with mothers for up to two years learning about feeding, resting areas, travel routes and warm water refuges. Estimated population of 2,500 in the wild.