U2 W4 Help the Manatees!

​People in Florida are worried. The manatees are in trouble. Hundreds of these super-sized marine mammals are dying every year. The population dropped from 3,000 to 2,500 in just twelve months.

​

​What caused the problem? People.

Manatees make their home in warm shallow waters. They ​live in Florida rivers and bays, and in the ocean. They eat weeds and grasses that grow in the water.

​ Manatees don't have many enemies because they are so large. After all, they are related to elephants! However, people have threatened their habitat. Many people live in Florida now. Lots of people take vacations there, too. More people than ever are using the manatees' habitat.

​Manatees can be ten feet long and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds!

People race power boats ​in shallow waters where manatees live. Some boaters crash into manatees and hurt them. Fishing hooks and nets hurt manatees, too. Swimmers also like to use the warm waters where manatees live. That can drive the creature away.

​Above: Scars from boat propellers.

​

​Below: Tangled in a crab net

​The Save the Manatee Club has taken action to help manatees. The group educates people about these gentle giants. They teach kids and grown-ups how to keep manatees safe and healthy. They rescue injured manatees. They work to change laws to help the manatees.

​ The club gives away banners and signs. These remind boaters to go slow around manatees. The group also teaches people to use less water. Manatees need resources such as clean water.

​Now, people in Florida are more careful when they use the manatee's habitat. Manatees have a better chance to survive. They can thank their friends in the Save the Manatee Club!