Manatees

Manatees by Alex C

One of the many endangered animals is a manatee. A manatee is also called a sea cow. Even though it is called that it doesn't really live in the sea. Manatees live in shallow slow moving rivers and salt water bays. They are mostly found in Florida and the largest population of them is over 3,000 individuals.

Manatees are endangered because boaters mistake them for rocks and hit them. When boaters hit them a couple times their backs start to dent.

Manatees are herbivores which means they only eat marine and fresh water plants. They only have molars which grind food.

Fast Facts

 * Length:** 10-12 feet.
 * Weight:** 1,500-1,800 lbs.
 * Lifespan:** 50-60 years in the wild.

[[image:http://www.defenders.org/images/factsheets/silhouettes/Manatee_199X100.gif caption="Manatee and Human - Scale"]]
When I look at manatees I feel bad for them look at their faces.