Manatees are large, herbivorous marine mammals that are native to the coastal waters of the America, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They are closely related to elephants and are often referred to as “sea cows” due to their slow movements and grazing habits.
Manatees are gentle, docile animals that have no natural predators and are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are protected under various federal and international laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States.
Manatees are typically found in shallow, coastal waters where they feed on a variety of aquatic plants. They have a lifespan of around 60 years and can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,300 pounds. Manatees are known for their distinctive, rotund bodies and paddle-like flippers, which they use to swim and maneuver through the water.
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