Manatees can experience cold stress when water temperatures fall below 68☏, which can be fatal. Records indicate there are 98 incarcerated Sex Offender or Predators in Florida, as well as. This is lower than the national average of 15.68 Sex Offender or Predators per 10,000 residents. Water pollution, plastic pollution, herbicides, dredge and fill projects, and surface runoff have all contributed to the degradation and loss of many of the seagrass meadows and freshwater grass beds that manatees rely on for survival. Our database shows there are 471 registered Sex Offender or Predators in Manatee County, FL, a ratio of 14.11 Sex Offender or Predators per 10,000 residents. Plastic bags, balloons, fish hooks, and monofilament fishing line are some of the most common and harmful types of debris manatees consume. With intestines over 100 feet long, it can be especially difficult for manatees to pass any plastic they eat. Some manatees have lost flippers after becoming entangled.Īny marine debris that gets stuck in their habitat can become a threat if ingested. Predators Although predation has not been documented, scientists believe sharks, alligators, or crocodiles may occasionally attack West Indian manatees. While some animals drown, others drag the debris behind them which can cause serious injuries and infections. Petersburg Times,, Retrieved on : Deutsch, C.J., Self-Sullivan, C. Because of solitude and docile temperament, it becomes easy prey for predators. The West Indian sea cow has evolved in areas with no natural predators and as a result the members of this species have had no need to develop complex behaviours for predator avoidance. Those that survive are often covered in scars from being hit by propellers and boat hulls.Īnchor lines, crab trap buoys, and abandoned fishing gear can easily entangle manatees. The manatee is a solitary animal, only seen in groups during mating seasons. Eventually, crocodiles and even orcas may eat them, but is rare, as they live in shallow waters (Do manatees have natural predators Captain Mike's Swimming with the Manatees). Adult ones would be much more difficult, due to their size.

Watercraft collisions are the leading cause of mortality for manatees. Fortunately for manatees, few dangerous sharks share their environment.

Manatee predators