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# Manatee - Is It Dangerous? | Mind of Animals

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# Manatee

Trichechus manatus

SafeFound in Floridamammals

1 Totally safe danger 1 out of 5

Manatee

Photo by Galen Rathbun (Public domain) via [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manatee_with_calf.PD_-_colour_corrected.jpg)

## What you should know

A gentle giant that eats only plants. Florida law protects them, so look but never touch, chase, or give one water.

## Whoa

Their closest living relative is the elephant, not the whale. You can sort of see it in the face.

## Staying safe around it

This one is genuinely harmless to people. Still look with your eyes and let it go about its day.

**Always ask a grown-up before you touch any animal or plant.** If something bites or stings you, tell an adult right away.

Source: [our source list](/mind-of-animals/#sources)

Read more about the manatee at [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_manatee).

[Back to all animals and plants](/mind-of-animals/)