What makes so many manatees collect in the same location, at the same time? Southwest Florida Water Management District published spectacular drone video footage of hundreds of manatees huddling together in Three Sis Springs, north of Tampa, Florida.
The manatees swam together in a cozy ensemble as Florida experienced cooler than typical temperature levels. Warm water is essential to the survival of the manatee, and Florida recently experienced temperatures of 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). It may not seem that cold to a few of us, however it is extremely cold indeed for the sea cow.
The shoreline belongs to The Crystal River National Wildlife Sanctuary, the only nationwide wildlife refuge in the United States developed to safeguard the Florida manatee, the state’s official marine mammal. The area is a safe habitat for manatees and was recently restored for their comfort.
“This is an excellent presentation of why the District recently brought back the shoreline around 3 Sis Springs. The job fixed the deteriorated shoreline and will help prevent future erosion triggered by manatee and human activity,” shared the Southwest Florida Water Management District in their post on Facebook.
This weekend, Crystal River will host the Florida Manatee Festival, January 13-14. The festival includes special boat journeys and kayak tours, permitting visitors to get up near to the manatees in their favorite hangout areas.
Image by Colors and Shapes of Underwater World
According to the Marine Mammal Commission, the Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. These big, graceful mammals can weigh as much as 1,200 pounds (545 kg) and they can measure up to 60 years. They are herbivores and feed entirely on seagrass. Currently noted as a threatened types under the Endangered Types Act, their environments are at risk throughout Florida. Due to their slow-moving rate, they can be susceptible to fishing boats and other vessels at sea.
Manatees love warm waters. This drone video footage shows a big group gathering together to stay warm during a cool spell in Florida.