Florida's Gentle Giants Seek Warmth as Winter Approaches

Florida's manatees, often called sea cows, are on the move as winter nears. These gentle giants can't handle cold water. When temperatures drop below 68 degrees, they head to warmer spots. Power plant outlets and rivers become their winter homes. Manatees are strict vegetarians. They munch on sea grass for food. In winter, finding these underwater fields means traveling between rivers and coasts. This journey makes them more visible to boats. Sadly, boat strikes are a real danger during this time. On very cold days, hundreds, even thousands, of manatees gather in warm spots like Manatee Park. They huddle together to stay warm. On the east coast, manatees also seek refuge near power plants. Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach is a popular spot. Manatee numbers have grown in the past 25 years. In 2000, there were about 1, 646 manatees. By 2015, that number jumped to over 6, 000. However, these counts are just estimates. Not all Florida waters are included in these surveys. Summer is a different story. Manatees are social and often gather in large groups. This is also their breeding season. One or two females usually have many suitors. But for now, it's winter, and staying warm is their top priority.