Reading
What problem are manatees facing?
Goal:
Goal:
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_1.mp3
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_2.mp3
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_3.mp3
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_4.mp3
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_6.mp3
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_7.mp3
https://cms.accelerate-ed.com/s3/r/content/Elementary/docs/LanguageArts3/audio/ELA3_7_4Page4_8.mp3
![]() |
|
Saving the Manatees
By Deborah Rogers
Manatees are gentle underwater giants. Unless we take action, they may disappear forever.
![]()
|
Danger!
Although manatees die of natural causes, most die because of things we do. Boaters often enter waters where manatees live. Without ever seeing the animal, the boater hits the manatee. The blow may kill the manatee. Other times a deep cut from the boat's motor leads to the manatee's death. Manatees also die after accidentally eating fishhooks or trash in the water. Many become trapped in fishing wire or crab traps, and die.
![manatee zone](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.accelerate-ed.com/image/0c7c8b68-29d8-4c42-b067-a70d6760c9ee.jpg)
There are many ways we can save the manatee. Manatees are recognized as endangered animals. This makes it illegal to capture or kill a manatee. Many places in Florida have also reduced maximum boat speeds. This has reduced the number of manatees hit by boats.
You can take steps to save the manatees. Do your best to reduce, recycle, and reuse. Organize trash clean ups where you live. Write letters to lawmakers. Ask them to support laws that protect manatees. You can even adopt a manatee! Visit the Save the Manatee Club on the Internet to learn more!
![]()
|
Manatee Quick Facts
- Baby manatees are about four feet long and weigh 60 pounds.
- Most adult manatees are nearly 10 feet long and weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds.
- Manatees breathe through nostrils, not blowholes.
- Manatees cannot turn their heads! They have to turn their whole bodies to see what is behind them.
Click the "Activity" button to download a worksheet and answer questions about the stories you've read this week.