manatee (màn´e-tê´) noun
Any of various herbivorous aquatic mammals of the genus Trichechus, having paddlelike front flippers and a horizontally flattened tail and found in warm coastal waters of Florida, northern South America, West Africa, and the Caribbean.
Here is an extract of official Florida State data for you to peruse...
Manatees are large aquatic mammals with whom we share our environment. The West Indian manatee is an endangered species and is protected by state and federal law. Please avoid harassing or disturbing Manatees. Harassment is defined as any activity which alters the animal's natural behavior. By altering the manatee's natural behavior, you may create the likelihood of danger that is bad for the animal and against the law. *BEING NEAR MANATEES *Look, but don't touch Manatees. Also, don't feed Manatees or give them water. If Manatees become accustomed to being around people, they can alter their behavior ....
The West Indian Manatee is a large gray-brown aquatic mammal. Its seal-like body tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. The upper part of its body has two small fore limbs with three-to-four nails on each flipper. The head and face are wrinkled and the snout has stiff whiskers. Adults have been known to reach lengths of over 13 feet and weights of over 3,000 pounds. Calves are three-to-four feet long and 60-to-70 pounds at birth. Manatees spend most of their time feeding and resting. They graze for food along rivers, coastal bottoms and at the water's surface. Manatees have been known to hold their breath for as long as 20 minutes, but they usually surface about every five minutes to breathe. (c) All rights reserved by ACSF
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