5 Ways To Spot Manatees At The Airport

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Have you ever found yourself at the airport, waiting for a flight, and wondered if there's more to see than just planes and passengers? While manatees are not typically associated with airports, there are some airports in Florida that have become unexpected habitats for these gentle creatures. In this article, we'll explore the possibilities of spotting manatees at the airport and provide tips on how to increase your chances of seeing them.

Airports are not typically known for their wildlife, but some airports in Florida have become habitats for manatees. Manatees are large, slow-moving aquatic mammals that can be found in shallow waters, and some airports have canals, lakes, or mangrove areas that provide a suitable environment for them.

Here are 5 ways to spot manatees at the airport:

Look for Manatee Habitats

Manatees are typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters with access to freshwater sources. Airports with canals, lakes, or mangrove areas are more likely to have manatees. Check with airport staff or local authorities to find out if there are any known manatee habitats in the area.

Time Your Visit

Manatees are most active during the warmer months, from April to October. If you're planning to visit the airport during this time, keep an eye out for manatees in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most likely to be feeding or resting.

Bring Binoculars

Manatees can be difficult to spot, especially if they are in the water or hiding in vegetation. Bringing binoculars can help you scan the area and get a closer look without disturbing the manatees.

Join a Guided Tour

Some airports offer guided tours that include manatee viewing. These tours are usually led by experienced guides who know the best spots to look for manatees and can provide valuable information about these creatures.

Be Patient and Quiet

Manatees are sensitive to noise and disturbance, so it's essential to be patient and quiet when observing them. Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, as this can scare them away.

Benefits of Manatee Spotting at the Airport

Spotting manatees at the airport can be a unique and exciting experience, but it also has several benefits. Here are some of the advantages of manatee spotting:

Conservation Efforts

By observing manatees in their natural habitat, you can gain a deeper appreciation for these creatures and the importance of conservation efforts. Manatees are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and observing them can raise awareness about the need to protect their habitats and prevent further decline.

Educational Opportunities

Manatee spotting can be a valuable educational experience, especially for children. By observing manatees in their natural habitat, children can learn about these creatures and the importance of conservation.

Stress Relief

Watching manatees can be a calming and relaxing experience, providing a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of airport life.

Community Engagement

Manatee spotting can bring people together, creating a sense of community and shared interest. Many airports offer manatee viewing events and activities, which can be a great way to meet new people and learn more about these creatures.

Manatee Habitat Preservation

Airports with manatee habitats face unique challenges in preserving these areas. Here are some ways airports can work to preserve manatee habitats:

Create Manatee-Friendly Habitats

Airports can create manatee-friendly habitats by restoring natural vegetation, reducing pollution, and providing access to freshwater sources.

Reduce Disturbance

Airports can reduce disturbance to manatees by limiting access to their habitats and minimizing noise pollution.

Educate Staff and Passengers

Airports can educate staff and passengers about the importance of manatee conservation and the need to protect their habitats.

Collaborate with Conservation Efforts

Airports can collaborate with conservation efforts by working with local organizations and researchers to protect manatee habitats and study their behavior.

Manatee Behavior and Habitat

Manatees are large, slow-moving aquatic mammals that can be found in shallow waters. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including seagrasses and algae. Manatees are social creatures, often gathering in large groups to rest, feed, or mate.

Manatee Habitat

Manatees are found in shallow, slow-moving waters with access to freshwater sources. They prefer areas with soft bottoms, such as sand or mud, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and freshwater springs.

Manatee Behavior

Manatees are known for their gentle nature, but they can be skittish and unpredictable. They are most active during the warmer months, from April to October, and can be found resting or feeding in shallow waters.

Interesting Manatee Facts

Here are some interesting facts about manatees:

Manatees Can Live Up to 60 Years

Manatees are known to live up to 60 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-living aquatic mammals.

Manatees Can Grow Up to 13 Feet

Manatees can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 1,300 pounds.

Manatees Have a Unique Way of Communicating

Manatees use a variety of clicks, whistles, and body language to communicate with each other.

Manatees Are Related to Elephants

Manatees are part of the same family as elephants and share many physical characteristics, including their large size and gentle nature.