Manatees, often referred to as sea cows, are fascinating marine mammals that require warm water to survive. These gentle giants are primarily found in and around Florida, especially when water temperatures drop. Understanding where manatees live is intrinsically linked to their need for warm water refuges, which are critical for their health during colder periods.
Manatees are adapted to tropical and subtropical environments. As temperatures decrease below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), manatees instinctively seek warmer waters. Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to a dangerous condition known as cold stress. This occurs because manatees lose body heat faster than they can produce it in cold water, and they struggle to properly digest their food. Historically, manatees found warmth in natural springs and other thermally heated areas.
However, the landscape of manatee habitats has evolved. While natural warm springs remain vital, a significant portion of the manatee population now relies on artificial warm water sources, particularly discharge from power plants and energy centers. These industrial outfalls provide consistent warm water during the winter months, attracting large groups of manatees. It’s estimated that a majority of manatees depend on these artificial refuges during the colder seasons.
During warmer months, manatees expand their range significantly. They can be found throughout Florida’s diverse waterways and have even been sighted as far north as Massachusetts on occasion. However, as winter approaches, their distribution dramatically shifts, concentrating them in and near warm water havens. The availability and preservation of these warm water habitats, both natural and artificial, are crucial for the long-term survival and well-being of manatees. Loss of these critical warm water areas poses a serious threat to these beloved creatures.
