Carol Grant - Oceangrant Images - Manatees & More

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When the water starts to cool in Florida manatees can be found streaming into warm water areas. I've observed over the years, if the water cools, but doesn't cool too much, often there is an increase in manatee cavorting. It's almost like both males and females are celebrating their return to the treasured warm water winter abodes. When it cools down dramatically the manatees will rest more and conserve energy. But on this twilight of the Florida cold front, before the cold really settles in, they spread out all over and seem to have a celebration of manatee life. Currently in 2022 this very area has seen a resurgence in restored nutricious eelgrass for manatees to graze on. This is another reason at this crucial time it's imperative that boats keep a sharp eye out for the cavorting and grazing manatees. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, West Coast of Florida USA. Taken on December 10, 2018.

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Manatee Love, NEW Images
When the water starts to cool in Florida manatees can be found streaming into warm water areas. I've observed over the years, if the water cools, but doesn't cool too much, often there is an increase in manatee cavorting. It's almost like both males and females are celebrating their return to the treasured warm water winter abodes. When it cools down dramatically the manatees will rest more and conserve energy. But on this twilight of the Florida cold front, before the cold really settles in, they spread out all over and seem to have a celebration of manatee life. Currently in 2022 this very area has seen a resurgence in restored nutricious eelgrass for manatees to graze on. This is another reason at this crucial time it's imperative that boats keep a sharp eye out for the cavorting and grazing manatees. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, West Coast of Florida USA. Taken on December 10, 2018.