What Are the Possible Dangers of Manatee Season in Ocala, FL?

Bill Allen | February 13, 2025 | Personal Injury

One thing is for sure — the state of Florida values its manatees. These marine mammals — affectionately referred to as sea cows — were once an endangered species in Florida. Thanks to conservation efforts, the manatee population has grown significantly to over 8,300 in Florida waters alone.

Though human behavior can pose a significant threat to the well-being of manatees, the risk can go both ways. Manatees pose a few dangers of their own that you should be aware of when moving through their habitats. Consider the following manatee-related safety issues you might encounter and what you can do to minimize your risks.

Are Florida Manatees Harmful?

In general, manatees aren’t considered harmful creatures. They’ve earned a reputation as “gentle giants” for several reasons:

They enjoy human interaction
They aren’t usually aggressive
They lack sharp teeth
They don’t attack humans or other animals

So why should you watch out for manatees? It’s because of their size and strength. This, coupled with their tendency to act out of fear, makes any sudden and forceful movement from these creatures dangerous to humans and their water activities. For these reasons, laws have made it illegal to disturb or harass manatees. This rule is in place for their protection and yours.

How Ocala’s Manatee Season Can Pose a Danger To Humans

From March to November, “manatee season” brings many of them to the warmer waters of Ocala County to rest and recharge. Though manatees are considered docile animals, you still need to be on alert when you encounter them during this time. There are two main reasons for this.

Their Bodies Can Cause Serious Injuries

During manatee season, you may see instances where several males crowd around and compete for one female. Some citizens worry whether these manatees are in distress and, as a result, try to help them.

In doing so, you may startle these manatees. If you get hit with their ten-foot, thousand-pound body while they’re trying to get away from perceived danger, you may end up with catastrophic injuries in the process.

This is why the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission constantly reminds citizens that only trained and qualified personnel should touch or work with manatees.

Negligence Can Cause Boating Accidents

Manatees enjoy warmer waters, and so do Florida boaters. Knowing this, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has designated “manatee protection zones” where boaters are required to slow down their vessels to avoid collisions with these animals.

You need a permit to operate vessels at certain speeds or enter particular areas in these designated zones. This is because boats can not only injure manatees, but these animals can also flip vessels, causing significant bodily injury and harm. Slowing down also helps you avoid boating accidents with other vessels, especially if they’re trying to get out of a manatee’s way.

An Ocala Personal Injury Lawyer May Be Able To Assist You If You’re Injured During Manatee Season

Above all, it’s crucial for every citizen to follow the law during manatee season and beyond. If you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence, consider getting a personal injury lawyer involved. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

Whether another boater was speeding through a protected zone or someone’s failure to follow conservation laws resulted in a manatee-related injury, your attorney can help you get to the bottom of the situation. With assistance from the right legal professional, you’ll have the confidence you need to figure out the next best step in your personal injury case.

Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652