Floridians love manatees. The marine animals, lovingly known as "sea cows" or "gentle giants," spend the winters swimming in rivers, bays, canals, estuaries and coastal areas from Nov. 15 to March 31.

Cold weather in Florida means manatees will be huddling for warmth in many of the state's warmer fresh water springs. The threatened mammal can sometimes be difficult to catch a glimpse of in person, ...