Manatees are big, almost shapeless mammals that live in fresh water, sea water and brackish water.  Despite their size and what appears to be lots of blubber wrapping their frame, manatees have no blubber and are surprisingly sensitive to cold.  In fact, cold water will kill them.  A cold snap will cause frostbite like lesions on their skin that can become infected, eventually killing them.  But on this warm September day, cold was not a problem. 

        These Manatees spent more than an hour frolicking in the warm shallow water near Round Island County Park in Indian River County.  The wind was very light.  When I first noticed them, I stopped paddling to watch and shoot video.  The slight wind and current carried me closer and I soon could only conclude that I was watching mating behavior.  These huge creatures were almost sweet in the gentle way they caressed and held each other.  Watch the video and see what you think.

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