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  • A rotund male manatee calf swims above his mother while she guides him into the warm springs. Calves often swim above (or below) their moms while keeping tactile contact. The strong Florida sunlight feels good to the pair and is not too bright as manatee eyesight is poor. They "feel" their world with many body hairs. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Calf Follows Mother in the F...tif
  • A rotund male manatee calf swims above his mother while she guides him into the warm springs. Note his flippers and part of his tummy keeps in contact as not to get lost. Calves often swim above (or below) their moms while keeping tactile contact. The strong Florida sunlight feels good to the pair and is not too bright as manatee eyesight is poor. They "feel" their world with many body hairs. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Calf Follows Mother While To...tif
  • Strong Florida sunlight highlights a manatee relaxedly swimming in the shallow freshwater springs. Three Sisters Springs on a clear blue water peaceful day.  Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee in Sunlit Springs.tif
  • A young manatee calf has its mother resting near the submerged cypress tree roots in the crystal clear water at Three Sisters Springs, It is fall, prior to the cooling of the winter season in Florida.These two manatees are early arrivals to the springs before the multitude of other manatees arrive for the winter warming season. Mother manatee sometimes bring their calves to the wintering sites early to familiarize their little ones with all the nooks and crannies. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee_Mother_and_Calf_in_the_Sprin...tif
  • A young manatee swims into the heart of the warm freshwater springs during a cool winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Little_Manatee_Swims_into_Warm_Sprin...tif
  • A young manatee follows it's mother around Three Sisters Springs. It is early in the cooler manatee season and this pair seemed to be taking a tour of the springs with no other manatees present. This split-level image shows the underwater springs with manatees and the cypress and other trees above. There is a corner of the boardwalk with an observer. Talen in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee,
    Little_Manatee_Follows_Mom_Around_Sp...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. Two skinny adult manatees rest as one takes a breath in the warm shallow blue spring water lit by strong warming sun rays. Another manatee forages in the background surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. Manatees need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and strong warming sun rays with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-27.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together while floating near a warm blue spring. Young manatee often have bumpy skin which they eventually grow out of. The young animal's snout and whiskers are prominent as is its curious eye. Peaceful, tranquil and undisturbed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-521.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The calf rises for a breath while mom looks on. The manatees tolerate the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-652.tif
  • A family with children in a kayak explore the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image with blue spring water mixing with aqua. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim past submerged tree roots and another manatee is following them. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-16.tif
  • A family with child in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-11.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A group of manatees rest at the perimeter of the springs where the water is warm. One manatee is taking a breath and the ripples are evident on the calm surface. Vertical orientation with sun and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-238.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims into the warmth of the freshwater springs. Horizontal orientation with sun rays and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-85.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses her calf in the warm blue freshwater springs while a group of snorkelers, on the surface, swim in the background. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-102-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee approaches the shallow underwater tree roots surrounding the springs. Horizontal orientation split image, peaceful and undisturbed with warm sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-152-2.tif
  • A family with child in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-14.tif
  • A family with dog in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-19-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Sometimes green water from the outside overwhelms the blue water of the springs. This adult manatee with red algae on its back looks right at home in the green water. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Vertical orientation with green water and blue sky. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-508.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by a warm blue spring. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-433.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim close together in the warm blue freshwater of the springs. Horizontal orientation, tranquil with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-328.tif
  • Manatee mothers swimming with their calves are often joined by young males or other calves. Males like to pester the slow-moving pairs and calves temporarily alone while their mothers forage will also follow mother and calf duos. Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) Endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7867.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two manatee swim into the warm freshwater springs on a cool cloudy day. They pass familiar submerged tree roots with a fish, bream, Lepomis spp. amidst the roots. Horizontal orientation split image with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-20.tif
  • Father and daughter snorkelers pose in the clear spring waters with a kayak in the background. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-2-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A young manatee relaxes and rolls over while swimming near a warm blue freshwater spring. The manatee swims over historic remnants of wooden posts left by the Cousteau team in the early 1970s to corral a rescued manatee named Sewer Sam. Horizontal orientation with blue water and strong warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-605.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee rests undisturbed by warm blue freshwater springheads. Vertical orientation with tranquil blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-10.tif
  • Dog, dachsund, Canis familiaris, in snorkel gear, lifejacket and mask floating on a raft looking into the blue sky. Snorkelers admire him in the beautiful warm Florida sunshine. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-29-4.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male manatee rests and warms himself in freshwater and sunlight with fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The manatee is tolerating the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatee. Vertical orientation with warming sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1011.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee floats by warm, blue freshwater springheads. It is lit by rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation, peaceful and undisturbed with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim close together in the warm blue freshwater. Stubs of historic wooden posts left by the Cousteau expedition are below.Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1042.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two snorkelers observe an actively swimming manatee calf on a cool Florida day. Horizontal orientation and passive interaction. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-983.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and her curious calf rest together by a blue freshwater springhead. More manatee rest peacefully in the background. Horizontal orientation with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-229.tif
  • Manatee Health Assessments, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. November 28, 2012, 3:08 pm. Researchers from several federal and state agencies work together to gather data during the manatee capture and health assessments. A mother manatee and her calf swim into Three Sisters Springs after being sampled for the manatee assessments four hours earlier. They are assigned grease pencil marks 19 and 20 along with their sex. This mother and calf was photographed in the net four hours earlier and were kept together and released together.
    Manatee_assessments_CGrant_PS-178.tif
  • Manatee Health Assessments, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. November 28, 2012, 3:08 pm. Researchers from several federal and state agencies work together to gather data during the manatee capture and health assessments. A mother manatee and her calf swim into Three Sisters Springs after being sampled for the manatee assessments four hours earlier. They are assigned grease pencil marks 19 and 20 along with their sex. This mother and calf was photographed in the net four hours earlier and were kept together and released together.
    Manatee_assessments_CGrant_PS-177.tif
  • A manatee swims over the warm Big Sister spring at Three Sisters Springs towards the shallow sunlit areas that rim the spring. Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and white mullet (Mugil curema also seek warmth and minerals from Florida's underwater aquifer bubbling up. The round marks on the manatee's back are from barnacles shed earlier in the season. The big spring is rimmed with manatees, resting and socializing. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatee_Swims_Over_Spring_Towards_Wa...tif
  • Manatee mother and calf along with another adult gather around the warm spring known as Big Sister Spring. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus grisius, also winters here. The calf follows mom closely like a good calf and doesn't get lost. In the distance is a manatee-only resting area delineated by underwater markers. Big Sister is the largest of the Three Sisters Springs,  Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee,
    Manatees_Gather_Around_Spring-4931.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims over Big Sister Spring attracting a school of Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, in its wake. These warm blue freshwaters of Three Sisters Springs are a winter haven for manatees and various fish. Taken at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Fish_Spring-1739.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A few adult manatee with boat propeller scars and one with tail lacerations rest and try to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the natural springheads. Three other manatee are surfacing for a breath. Manatee need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1084.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over a blue freshwater springhead. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three manatees rest and warm themselves by a freshwater springhead pumping out clear blue water. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus are present in the spring. A boardwalk or viewing platform is visible amidst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image with sun rays and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-42.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. More manatee rest by the warm blue freshwater springhead. The other calf that is surfacing appears to have sores, possibly from cold stress or a virus. Rare series and rare behavior. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1030.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother nurses her calf in front of a large, blue, freshwater springhead. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Peaceful and undisturbed. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS--2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim towards the warmest blue spring fed waters. A boardwalk or viewing platform is visible amongst the many trees surrounding the springs. Horizontal orientation split image with light rays and shadows. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-60.tif
  • A manatee swims over a warm spring outflow. Manatees frequently move around these natural warm-water sources to show their calves around, find warmer spots or leave when the tide is retreating. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Swims Over Warm Spring _.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A group of manatees rest at the perimeter of the springs where the water can become a little cloudy. On this cold winter days it is a warm spot for manatees and fish, bream, Lepomis spp., that gather near the manatees. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-206.tif
  • Manatees swim near a warm spring outflow. Manatees frequently move around these natural warm-water sources to show their calves around, find warmer spots or leave when the tide is retreating. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatees Swim Near Warm Spring_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims towards a warm blue freshwater springhead on a cool cloudy day. There are propeller scars on its back. Horizontal orientation split image with submerged tree roots and trees circling the springs. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-24.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious manatee floats at the surface with reflection. It is a cool winter day but this manatee is staying warm in the freshwater springs. Vertical orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-100.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee with boat propeller scars and tail lacerations rests in the foreground and tries to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. Another manatee is surfacing for a breath. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-82.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A mother and her calf, both with many boat propeller scar injuries, rest and try to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-137-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim over a large freshwater springhead. The calf is curious as mom surfaces to breathe. Tranquil scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-62.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Male and female manatee in socializing or cavorting behavior along with another manatee. They swim by a large blue freshwater spring. Horizontal orientation with reflection and blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-67.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A young manatee floats near a warm blue spring surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The manatee is tolerating the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the treasured warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatee.  Horizontal orientation with blue water and light rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-133.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male manatee swims over a large freshwater springhead. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, hover in the warm blue spring waters. One of a series of relaxing manatee behaviors. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-110-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play while floating over a warm spring. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-464.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee takes a breath by a large, warm freshwater springhead. Peaceful and undisturbed scene. Another resting manatee and some mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1035.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim near a large warm freshwater springhead. Other manatee and a snorkeler are in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-19.tif
  • Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, swim above a large, warm, blue freshwater springhead. The fish are lit by rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-298.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of a mature adult male manatee with scars resting and warming himself over a large springhead. An adult male manatee floats with flippers together in perfect buoyancy over a large spring. Tranquil warm blue freshwater and rainbow sun rays enhance the peaceful scene  Horizontal orientation with blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-449.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered.A mother and calf swim over a warm spring with shadows of other manatee resting in the background. Algae, Lyngbya spp., is surrounding the springhead. Horizontal orientation with blue water and lovely sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-191.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim over a large freshwater springhead. The calf is curious. Tranquil scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-63-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf float above a warm freshwater springhead. The strong sun rays are also warming. The calf is reassured next to mom. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present as are two other resting manatees. Horizontal orientation with blue water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-38-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A polite snorkeler with a GoPro camera takes video of a manatee. A series of peaceful passive interaction, observation, with beautiful reflections. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue spring and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-866.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee enjoys the warmth of a large warm freshwater spring. It relaxes upside down accompanied by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The manatee tolerates the bream attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatee. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-186.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered.A mother and calf swim over a warm spring with other manatee resting in the background. The calf is curious. Algae, Lyngbya spp., is circling the springhead. Horizontal orientation with blue water and lovely sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-192-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A polite snorkeler with a GoPro camera takes video of a manatee. A series of peaceful passive interaction, observation, with beautiful reflections. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue spring and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-867.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee floats by a large, warm freshwater springhead. Peaceful and undisturbed scene. Another resting manatee and some mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1034.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of a mature adult male manatee with scars resting and warming himself over a large springhead. An adult male manatee swims showing the ugly propeller scars on his back. Tranquil warm blue freshwater and rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation with blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-484.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Four manatees rest and warm themselves by a freshwater springhead pumping out clear blue water. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus are present as is a Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. A boardwalk or viewing platform is visible amidst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image with sun rays and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-36-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf swim over a large blue freshwater springhead. The mother has a large scar from an injury on her back reflected on the surface. Fish, a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus and a bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-534.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother and calf pair float at the surface, resting near a warm springhead. Vertical orientation with reflections and soft light. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1041.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A manatee surfaces for a breath of fresh air by one of the warm blue freshwater vents of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8237.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. Late in the 2014 manatee season in March many manatee gather near the warm  freshwater vents of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7997.tif
  • Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, swim above a large, warm, blue freshwater springhead. The fish are lit by rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-289.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male manatee swims over a large freshwater springhead. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, hover in the warm blue spring waters. One of a series of relaxing manatee behaviors. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee Relaxes By Spring With Snapp...tif
  • A Florida manatee is intently focused on seagrass munching. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. Taken in November 2020 this lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more resilient. That along with restoration efforts here are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future. This manatee is not skinny! Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida.
    Adult Manatee Grazes on Newly Restor...tif
  • A Florida manatee takes a break in between seagrass munching. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. Taken in November 2020 this lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more resilient. That along with restoration efforts here are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future. This manatee is not skinny! Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida.
    Manatee_surrounded_by_grass.tif
  • A Florida manatee is bush munching on restored seagrass beds.Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. Taken in November 2020 this lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more resilient. That along with restoration efforts here are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future. This manatee is not skinny! Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida.
    Manatee_seagrass_munching.tif
  • Two Florida manatees, a mother and her calf, glide over restored eelgrass Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatee Mother and Calf Glide Over R...tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Two Florida manatees graze on restored eelgrass while a young calf waits patiently. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root n 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees_restored_eelgrass_Jan2022-4.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root n 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Four Manatees in Restored Eelgrass.tif
  • Two Florida manatees, a mother and her calf, glide over restored eelgrass Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatee Mother Guides Calf Over Rest...tif
  • In Florida at various locations it is possible to carefully and politely observe manatee in their watery environment. Three Sisters Springs is a good place to see the curious manatees. Following strict rules this female snorkeler has the experience of a lifetime gazing at an interested female manatee. Being very curious creatures they regularly investigate their environment.  This manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Polite Swimmer Observes Manatee_.tif
  • In Florida at various locations it is possible to carefully and politely observe manatee in their watery environment. Three Sisters Springs is a good place to see the curious manatees. Following strict rules this female snorkeler has the experience of a lifetime gazing at an interested female manatee. Being very curious creatures they regularly investigate their environment.  This manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Female Snorkeler Observes Manatee_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatee mother takes a breath while nursing her calf. Manatee mom multitasks near Pretty Sister Spring's warm blue freshwater. This is one of the three tandem springs that comprise Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Mother_Multitasks-1220.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two curious manatees float while lit by sun rays out front of Three Sisters Springs. Green water often predominates away from the springheads. Horizontal orientation, green water with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-510.tif
  • Very young manatee calf takes a breath over Big Sister Spring early in the season. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years. They learn everything from her, including the best times to surface for a breath. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Little Manatee Calf and Mom_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two female snorkelers at Three Sisters Springs observe a young calf playing on a cool Florida day. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6273.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two female snorkelers at Three Sisters Springs observe a young inquisitive calf on a cool Florida day. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6330.tif
  • Some of the restored aquatic grass that comes back every year in front of Three Sisters Spring. The name of this grass is rockstar eelgrass and it is planted by Sea and Shoreline with approval from USFWS at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This approach has been quite sucessful in areas with a lot of light and tidal flow. There are grasses coming back every year now where there has not been any seagrass for years. Manatees consume the grass but it re-grows.
    Seagrass_thrives_ThreeSistersSpring-...tif
  • Some of the restored aquatic grass that comes back every year in front of Three Sisters Spring. The name of this grass is rockstar eelgrass and it is planted by Sea and Shoreline with approval from USFWS at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This approach has been quite sucessful in areas with a lot of light and tidal flow. There are grasses coming back every year now where there has not been any seagrass for years. Manatees consume the grass but it re-grows.
    Seagrass_thrives_ThreeSistersSpring-...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-723.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. Manatee mother and young curious calf bask in warming sunlight at Pretty Sister Spring. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, also swim in the warm blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Mother_Calf_Florida_Sunshine...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Note the propeller scars. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-724.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatee release photographs from February 16, 2011. CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. CC is released this third time with a tracking buoy and a brand on his back. He is now in the front manatee sanctuary along with other tagged manatees on this day of his third release. Horizontal orientation surface photograph of manatees and tracking buoys in the front delineated sanctuary outside of Three Sisters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-233.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Note the propeller scars. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-724.tif
  • Relax with this female manatee as she leans back, stretches and takes a breath near submerged cypress tree roots in Little Sister Spring.  The warm blue freshwater of the Three Sisters Springs invites manatees to come bask in the warmth. It is vital these few remaining natural warm water Florida spring habitats are protected for the manatees to flock to in the cooler months.  Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, and a few bream, Lepomis spp., are also present to share the treasured habitat. I was very still in the water column and holding my breath to witness this natural and engaging manatee behavior. Taken at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS proposed downlisting to Threatened for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0
    La-Z_Girl_Manatee-2061.tif
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