Behavior & Adaptions

Mothers and calves stay together for roughly 2 years. Over the 2 year period the mother shows the calf what is good to eat. The mother keeps a close watch on the calf for any dangerous situations. Manatees are herivores. Herivores means it eats only plants. Preferred food is sea grass, water hyacinth and hydrillas. The mother may place herself between the calf and danager. If the mother senses danger she will quickly take action. Manatees like warm water, in the winter mantees move to warm water. Manatees find it hard to live in the cold water so they go to warm waters such as power plants. Manatees normally stay close to shores.