Manatee Facts and Myths

http://www.savethemanatee.org/myths.htm This page explains many of the myths and facts about manatees.  It also clears up a lot of the misconceptions that people may have!  It talks about topics from government protection to the changes in population size.

Basic Manatee Facts

Name: Trichechus manatus

States where they are found: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Taxas, and North Carolia

Some countries where they are found: Puerto Rico, United States, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Jamacia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, and Cuba  

Weight: About 1,000 lbs.

Height: About 3 meters

Food: Feed on freshwater and marine plants

Habitat: Range freely between marine and freshwater habitats (warm waters)

Manatee Threats

This article explains the threats to Manatees in greater detail!  It also tells how you can help in protecting them. http://www.suite101.com/content/west-indian-manatee-conservation-a117346

Did You Know?

In the United States, West Indian Manatees are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.  West Indian Manatees are also protected under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978.  If any violations of these laws are comitted, the person responsible will face large fines and/or imprisonment.

Manatee Laws

http://www.fpl.com/environment/endangered/protecting_manatees.shtml This page explains what we can all do to protect the well being of Manatees.  It also tells about the meanings of the various signs seen in Manatee inhabited areas and the laws on Manatee protection.  Through understanding and obeying these laws, you can be sure that you are respecting the rights of Manatees!

Flordia's Endangered Manatee

http://ezinearticles.com/?Floridas-Endangered-Manatee&id=355117 This article explains the importance of Manatees to the state of Florida, what's causing them to be endangered, and what we can do to prevent it. Many people are violating the strict laws that are set to protect West Indian Manatees. Sadly, because Manatees don't have many natural predators, humans are their largest threat.