Manatee Mania

by Kathleen Walls

Several manatees at rest in Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Photo by Kathleen Walls

Each winter thousands of visitors flock to Florida's Citrus County. They come by road or air, but the most interesting visitors are the ones that swim there. West Indian Manatees come here in the winter for many of the same reasons that the humans do; mild winters and warm waters for swimming.

These creatures are huge. Manatees usually weigh from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. The female only gives birth to a single calf once every two to five years. Occasionally they have twins. The mothers seem to teach their newborn calf and tend it for several years thus the long spacing between births. This low birthrate combined with man's careless use of boats is the main reason manatees are so endangered.

Newborn calves suckle milk like all other mammals until they are several months old then they begin feeding on vegetation. Like elephants, their closest relation, they grow their lives. One thirteen foot plus manatee was weighed in at 3,200 pounds

They are very social animal and frequently are found in large groups grazing and playing. Like all mammals they must breathe air. It is when they must surface, at least every fifteen minutes that they are in the gravest danger of being struck and injured by fast turning boat propellers. It is for this reason that "Slow Speed Zones" are so important this fascinating animal is to have a chance at survival

Citrus County is one of the state's most unique vacation spots thanks to this ungainly mammal and in return they take good care of their huge aquatic guests. Forty six percent of the county has been set aside for parks and preserves and special manatee sanctuaries have been set up in the waters of Crystal River, Chassahowitzka River, Kings Bay and the other waterways frequented by the seacows.

There is no thrill on earth like snorkeling with these gentle giants. Their playful personality and curious nature bring them right to your side. Their great size is never a threat as they are total pacifists. An interesting story told by an attendant at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, one of the best places to study the sea mammals up close, tells of a manatee and shark encounter. The park houses a permanent herd of manatees that for one reason or other cannot be returned to the wild. One winter, a shark made its way into the enclosed area with the manatees. Keepers feared for the manatees' safety. The manatees however had no fear of this predatory creature. They swam up to it and proceeded to play. The shark must have been confused by the antics of the manatees since it never attempted to harm them.

Many other types of wildlife inhabit the park Photo by Kathleen Walls

The manatees in the park are so acclimated to their human attendants they actually swim up and take carrots out of their hands at show time. The park is reached by way of a pontoon boat that takes you from the entrance on highway 19 on a short voyage through the wildlife sanctuary. If you are lucky you will spot deer, raccoons, otters and other wildlife that share the park with the manatees.

Once inside the park you can study the huge bewhiskered seacows in their natural habitat, underwater. The park boast an underwater observatory where you can even hear the manatee sounds via telephones. The giant salad bowl for the manatees is always filled with fresh romaine lettuce so you can observe the giant seacows doing what they enjoy most munching on a snack.

After you have learned about the fun-loving mammals the nest step is to join one of the snorkeling expeditions and actually get into their environment to play with them. Plantation Inn Dive Shop has a good program. You can rent all the equipment you need and the experienced guides will help you become acclimate to the mask and other equipment if you are new to this type of thing. Incidentally, the Plantation Inn has a great buffet if all the water has worked up an appetite. It's also comfortable and handy to stay at for your Citrus County visit.

The Ramada Nature Coast Resort is also a convenient motel as it is located next to the entrance to the wildlife park. Another great restaurant is located there also. The Riverside Buffet offers Cracker Cooking at its best. Chef Charley Brown is a native who grew up appreciating the dished he now offers. One taste and you will appreciate them too.

Another way to get up close and personal with not only the manatees but also the areas other abundant wild life is on one of the many river cruises. Captain Mike's Lazy River Cruses is an excellent one.

Kayaking with Riversport Photo by Kathleen Walls

If you feel more energetic you might try Riversport Kayaks. Depending on your skill lever, they offer many different options for kayaking on Citrus County waters. If en a complete novice like myself was able to enjoy a five-mile trip and not even feel sore the next day. Here you will encounter lots of bird life and possibly spot a manatee or two.

Of course, manatee watching is just one of the many experiences the Florida's Nature Coast offers so, with fall just around the corner, why don't you go play with the manatees in Citrus County?

For more information on /Citrus County contact Mart Craven at 1-800-587-6667 or visit@citrus.infi.net or go to www.visitcitrus.com