WildWednesday96: Manatees

Today we traveled over to Crystal River, FL ( on the west coast) to The Three Sisters Springs Refuge. There Hundreds, yes Hundreds of West Indian Manatees, or Sea Cows, as I knew them growing up. These Marine Mammals are extremely sensitive to cold water and congregate in the state's inland waterways and springs during the cold winter months. Spring water in Florida pretty much stays a constant 72F  and the Manatees appreciate that. They are a protected species and there are laws to keep them safe but sadly it isn't uncommon to see large scars on their backs from boat propellers. There were people snorkeling off Dive Boats, check the first *extra, and you could tell that their behavior around these gentle giants was very controlled. If a curious manatee swims up to you that's allowed but humans are not allowed to harass them in Any Way. *extra 2...manatee surfacing with nostrils closed, *extra 3...at the surface with nostrils open, *extra 4 manatee underwater, *extra 5...two manatees/back view. All of those  'shapes' in *extra 1...are submerged manatees, not rocks. What a day! I can't wait to go back to Crystal River with our kayak!
Thanks Cailleach for hosting WildWednesday!