With fall temperatures cooling coastal waters, Florida’s waterways are seeing an influx of massive, paddle‑tailed commuters. November marks the start of Manatee Awareness Month and the seasonal migration when thousands of Florida manatees leave open bays and head toward natural warm‑water springs, power‑plant discharge basins, and sheltered inland channels.

Why the migration matters

Manatees rely on warm‑water sites to survive the winter. When water temperatures dip below 68°F, they seek refuge in Florida’s springs, power‑plant discharge areas, and other warm‑water locations. The migration is a natural response to cold stress, but it also brings the gentle mammals into closer contact with recreational boat traffic.

Safety tips from wildlife officials

Because watercraft strikes are one of the single greatest threats to manatee survival, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging boaters to take specific precautions before leaving the dock:

• Post a spotter: Designate a passenger on the bow whose sole job is scanning the surface for snouts, backs, and tail flippers.
• Watch for “footprints”: When a manatee dives, its broad tail leaves a telltale circular swirl on the water’s surface.
• Cut the glare: Polarized sunglasses help spot shadows moving beneath shallow shelves and creek mouths.
• Obey posted zones: Seasonal speed limits require operators to drop to idle or slow speed in high‑traffic corridors.

Officials also caution that federal and state laws prohibit touching, chasing, or feeding manatees. Approaching too closely can startle them out of essential warm‑water pockets into open waterways, where cold stress can be fatal within days.

What to do if you encounter a distressed manatee

Boaters and shoreline visitors who spot an injured, sick, or distressed manatee should avoid handling the animal and immediately call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888‑404‑3922. Detailed maps of seasonal protection zones are available at MyFWC.com/MPZ.

By slowing down, staying alert, and respecting protection zones, boaters can help ensure that Florida’s beloved “sea cows” safely reach their winter habitats and return to the waterways when the weather warms again.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.