Give Mating Manatees Their Space! It's common to see a mating manatee herd in shallow, nearshore Florida waters during the spring and summer months. If you encounter a herd, it's important to watch from a distance as these large, strong animals are focused on mating. Bystanders that get too close could be seriously injured. In most cases the manatees are not stranded, injured or distressed, and the public should not try to approach or assist the animals in any way. If you are concerned about a m