Fortunately, this wild manatee's injuries appeared to be superficial, according to o'neill, and the manatee seemed to be living a relatively normal life. There are two types of harassment. But, as essayist diane roberts writes, manatees have no natural predators.
Many bear heavy scars and other marks of attack. Karenia brevis algae, responsible for red tide, produce toxins called brevetoxins, which can kill fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals such as manatees. Harassment is any action that could cause harm to a manatee or alter its natural behavior.
Possibly worse, manatees that get used to human interaction may lose their fear of humans or boats and increase the likelihood of getting injured or killed. Manatees—often called sea cows—are an anomaly in the animal kingdom. Neither predator nor prey, these peaceable creatures, which can grow to 13 feet and weigh more than. Human interaction with manatees in crystal river, fl is an increasing concern.
Sustainable management is recommended for adequate manatee protection and recovery. It must also be noted that. Their docile temperament means they have no defense against being. Scientists break down the causes of manatee deaths into six different categories: