- Look, but don't touch manatees. Also, don't feed manatees or give
them water. If manatees become accustomed to being around
people, this can alter their behavior in the wild, perhaps causing
them to lose their natural fear of boats and humans, and this may
make them more susceptible to harm. Passive observation is the
best way to interact with manatees and all wildlife.
- Do not pursue or chase a manatee while you are swimming,
snorkeling, diving, or operating a boat.
- Never poke, prod, or stab a manatee with your hands, feet, or any
object.
- If a manatee avoids you, you should avoid it.
- Don't isolate or single out an individual manatee from its group,
and don't separate a cow from her calf.
- Don't attempt to snag, hook, hold, grab, pinch or ride a manatee.
- Avoid excessive noise and splashing if a manatee appears in your
swimming area.
- Don't enter areas designated as "No Entry Manatee Sanctuary".
These areas have been identified by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
as crucial for manatee survival.
- Wear polarized sunglasses and post a lookout while boating to
avoid a collision with manatees.
Read more about protecting manatees at: MyFWC.com
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