The strange but gentle manatee was once mistaken (as folk law has it) for mermaids!
The sailors that visited the Florida waters had never seen such creatures, and I think must have downed one too many rums to see any similarity!
The manatee (sometimes known as "sea cows“ as they are similar to the cows on land in their demeanor) are large, fully aquatic marine mammals and primarily eat sea grass. They can reach up to 13.1 ft (4m) in length weighing around 1300lb (590kg), have short snouts and two paddles as flippers (where the teats are located in females) and a large paddle as a tail.
The Manatees found in Florida are a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee and were once "endangered", but with overwhelming information & publicity they are now classified as "threatened" as their numbers have now reached over 6000. The main causes of death or harm are boats and the young can be attacked by alligators, as well as disease or low water temperature. They are curious animals and the life expectancy can be up to 60 years.
They can be seen at several places around Central Florida and you're more likely to have a chance of a sighting during the cooler months when they seek refuge of the Springs that pump out 72 degrees F water year round (& they can't survive for long if under 68 degrees F, 20 degrees C) They are largely solitary animals and spend half of the time asleep submerged. They surface for air regularly and the rest of the time is spent in shallow water.
One of the most popular places is Blue Spring State Park (approximately a 45 minute/1-hour drive from Orlando), where they have a small cafeteria and rent kayaks too. Most State Parks also have grills and pavilions but are sometimes rented out or are first come first served. You can find out more here
There is also a small fee to enter the Parks & Blue Spring is typically $6 for a family vehicle. I'll be writing a post in more detail about this park soon:)
Legally you are not to touch a manatee with two hands - if a manatee approaches you & touches you only then may you touch it (they have fine hairs, similar to an elephant!) Riding or harassing a manatee is completely forbidden.
If you visit Crystal River on the Gulf Coast you will find a couple of places that do boat tours where you can rent wet suits and they take you to places to swim near the manatees. The best months for this are January and February.
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