RVing in Florida now? It's a great time to see manatees

Winter in Florida is the perfect time for warm-weather RV enthusiasts to see manatees. When the water temperatures drop below 68 degrees, manatees, which are mammals, seek warmer waters. Fresh water springs are a constant 72 degrees, making the springs a good place to spot the gentle giants. On sunny days, manatees will travel between the spring bowls and the rivers, depending upon water temperatures.

Many Florida state parks feature fresh water springs. In early December, the gates were opened at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, allowing wild manatees to enter the spring bowl for the first time in 30 years. The park showcases a variety of native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are offered three times daily. At the Wildlife Encounter programs, snakes and other native animals are featured.

A Manatee Festival will be held at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City on January 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. As a Manatee Refuge, this park serves as the winter home for manatees from mid-November through March, depending upon the water temperatures in the St. Johns River. The event will feature arts and crafts and more.

Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland will host a series of events each Saturday during January to commemorate Manatee Awareness Month. Learn about the history and travel patterns of manatees, learn about the Save the Manatee Club, read “I’m a Manatee” with a ranger, make your own stuffed animal and discuss the protection and rescue programs for manatees.

There are many state parks where you might see a manatee, but try the manatee overlook area at St. Sebastian River State Park or the spring head at Fanning Springs State Park or Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park south of Tallahassee.

Photo: Wild manatees enjoy the 72 degree waters of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.