West Indian manatee mother and baby, Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida

© Karine Aigner/Tandem Stills + Motio

Sirens or sea cows?. West Indian manatees, Crystal River

Have you ever come across a manatee? These friendly aquatic mammals are herbivores, grazing primarily on seagrasses and aquatic vegetation. Manatees have a fascinating history that spans millions of years. They are closely related to elephants and can be traced back to the Eocene era (about 56 to 33.9 million years ago). These slow-moving sea cows have, over time, adapted to life in warm, coastal waters.

Known for their unique whiskered faces and padded tails, these sleepy mammals have always been welcoming towards humans. Sadly, they have been exposed to various threats, such as habitat loss and boat collisions. So, if you visit Crystal River and come across a West Indian manatee, we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate them, but from a distance.