Do we have
manatees in North Carolina?
March 16, 2005
often. You’re more likely to see manatees in
they occasionally wander into North Carolina waters.
are two sub-species of West Indian manatees (Trichechus
manatus); Antillean manatees and Florida manatees.
The first group inhabits parts of Central and South America,
and the latter inhabits the southeastern United States,
During summer, Florida manatees may
migrate north as they follow the warming waters.
They have been sighted in Georgia and the Carolinas,
and one of the most famous traveling manatees was “Chessie.”
In 1994, Chessie was captured and
tagged in the Chesapeake Bay. Because it was cold
weather, Chessie was released off the Florida coast.
Chessie was found the next year in Rhode Island
and has been sighted in the Chesapeake Bay since.
Manatees, also known as “sea cows,” are
unique marine mammals. They are large and gray with wrinkled
faces, and they are excellent swimmers. Their strong, paddle-like
tails propel them slowly through the water as they search
for food. These sea creatures, once mistaken as mermaids
by sailors, are typically about 11 feet long and weigh
about 2,200 pounds.
Manatees graze on a wide variety of grasses
and plants in rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal areas.
They can live in fresh and salt water, but Florida manatees
appear to need a source of fresh water. They have been
seen hanging out at river mouths and drinking from hoses
These gentle giants are threatened by
loss of habitat, poaching, entanglement in fishing gear,
and ever increasing boating activity. Researchers have
come to identify individuals by the different scar patterns
that result from boat collisions.
The Florida manatee is listed as endangered
and is protected by federal and state laws. It is illegal
to harass, capture or kill a manatee. Because they are
slow reproducers, manatees are not able to easily increase
their population; therefore, they need our help.
Boaters should respect posted boating
speeds and always be on the alert for these slow-moving
creatures. Also, we can support efforts to protect sea-grass
areas and improve water quality. Together, we can protect
these unusual animals and ensure they will be around for
future generations to enjoy.