West Indian Manatees
Trichechus manatus
The West Indian Manatee is found in the coastal plains of North Carolina, in both salt and fresh water. It is endangered due to coastal development taking up and polluting its habitat. It is also harmed by cold fronts that interfere with the climate needed for manatees to survive.
The SMC works to help manatees survive by educating people on the manatees and what can harm them. Other people help by cleaning up areas around the beach so that there is less pollution.
Citations
Information
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/manatee.html
http://www.savethemanatee.org/manfcts.htm
Photos
animals.mom.me
mainenewsonline.com
sirenian.org