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  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by warm blue springheads. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation with rainbow 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-402.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of snout in sand behavior. A manatee rises for a breath with sand all around it after having its snout moving around in the sand. Researches theorize this behavior is sieving through sand to get minerals or nourishment , or it could be scrubbing its mouth or teeth, or maybe it just feels good as the snout is very sensitive. Horizontal orientation at the perimeter of the spring with beautiful sun rays and blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-472.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of snout in sand behavior. A manatee has its snout moving around in the sand lit by strong sun rays. Researches theorize this behavior is sieving through sand to get minerals or nourishment , or it could be scrubbing its mouth or teeth, or maybe it just feels good as the snout is very sensitive. Horizontal orientation at the perimeter of the spring with beautiful sun rays and blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-473.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of snout in sand behavior. A manatee rises for a breath with sand all around it after having its snout moving around in the sand. Researches theorize this behavior is sieving through sand to get minerals or nourishment , or it could be scrubbing its mouth or teeth, or maybe it just feels good as the snout is very sensitive. Horizontal orientation at the perimeter of the spring with beautiful sun rays and blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-471.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. Mother nursed both calves for over three minutes straight. Rare series and rare behavior. Vertical orientation with blue freshwater from the springhead. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1031.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. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-735.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. A kayak with a camera held underwater gets further documentation. A Manatee Rescue volunteer is in the kayak holding the camera. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-730.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. Another calf is surfacing. 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-1029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male calf engages in intimate play with its own mother. This behavior is thought to  be a signal to the mother it is time to wean her calf. Another manatee swims in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue water, warming sun rays, tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-9.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. The active female is rolling while swimming during socializing or cavorting behavior with a male and another manatee. They are near a freshwater springhead pumping out warm blue water. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-65-2.tif
  • A male and female manatee nuzzle in the warm water and warm Florida sunlight. Cavorting is what researchers call this friendly behavior and it goes on often in the springs. 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.
    Manatees Nuzzle_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1076.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male calf engages in intimate play with its own mother. This behavior is thought to  be a signal to the mother it is time to wean her calf. Another manatee swims in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue water, warming sun rays, tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female pushes the newborn male calf up to the surface to breathe while she takes a breath. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-135.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play near the perimeter of the springs. More manatee are resting in the background. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-340.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female is in the foreground being rammed by another curious female manatee. It made the newborn calf dislodge from the escort female's back. The mother manatee turns around to help as she has been guiding away a curious male manatee. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters lit with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-142.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female keeps the newborn male calf next to her near the surface. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away from the infant on the right, below. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-129.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by warm blue springheads. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation with rainbow 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-400.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. 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. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by a warm blue springhead. More manatee rest in the background. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation with rainbow 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-406.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 springhead. 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-421.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by warm blue springheads. One calf is grabbing his buddy with his flippers. More manatee rest in the background. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation with rainbow 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-387.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female is in the foreground being rammed by another curious female manatee. It has made the newborn calf dislodge from the escort female's back. The mother manatee is starting to turn around to help as she is guiding away a curious male manatee. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-140.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female keeps the newborn male calf next to her while she takes a breath. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away from the infant on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is between the escort female, furthest away, and the mother. He is riding on their backs as they are trying to keep him away from other manatee. There is a curious male manatee in the foreground. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-123.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves surface while engaging in intimate play by a warm blue springhead. One calf is grabbing his buddy with his flippers. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation 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-386.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female keeps the newborn male calf next to her near the surface and pushes him up with her flipper. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee, in the foreground, away from the infant. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-125-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female pushes the newborn male calf up to the surface to breathe. Another curious female manatee is entering on the left. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-137.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by warm blue springheads. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. More manatees rest in the background. Horizontal orientation with rainbow 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-1055.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play by warm blue spring heads. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Vertical orientation, blue water with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-403.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is between the escort female, furthest away with flippers only seen, and the mother who is helping to push the infant to the surface. There is a curious male manatee swimming fast, following the mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-121.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on its mother's back as she swims near me, apparently to block other curious manatee from the infant. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-079.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-038.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-034.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is perched on his new mother's back with an escort female on his left.. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Another curious manatee's snout is just visible entering the frame on the right. This is the first view I had of the newborn manatee, about an hour after sunrise. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Out in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-002.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn manatee is next to an escort female that teamed with the calf's mother to keep him away and safe from other active curious manatees. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters and strong rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-194.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from intimate play for one to catch a breath at the surface. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water with manatees resting and a kayak in the background. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1056.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from intimate play for one to catch a breath at the surface. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Vertical orientation, blue water with rainbow sun rays and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-405.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-025.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching his snout on his new mother with the escort female partially out of the frame on our right. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-012.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from intimate play for both to catch a breath at the surface. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Vertical orientation, blue water with rainbow sun rays and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-354.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on the right of the escort female She tries to keep the infant near the surface. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-084.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on its mother's right side as she swims right near me, apparently to block other curious manatee from the infant. Note his gossamer torn umbilical cord, skin folds and other clues pointing to his newborn ID. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-082.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching his new mother with his snout and the escort female is on our right. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-016.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is in between his mother and an escort female, with another curious manatee on the far left. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Note the newborn manatee's fetal folds. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-007.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The new manatee mother near the surface swims away from other manatees with the newborn calf on her snout. She was trying to keep him away from other curious manatees as a calf must bond with its mother soon after birth and not be separated. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-169.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers swims in. She is swimming with her belly away from them on purpose. When calves begin to play intimately it may be a sign it is time for the mother to wean them. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1059.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-042.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-040.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-036.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from intimate play for one to catch a breath at the surface. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water with manatees resting and a kayak in the background. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1057.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from intimate play for one to catch a breath at the surface. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Vertical orientation, blue water with rainbow sun rays and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-427.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on the opposite side of his mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-111.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-027.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers checked in. She is surfacing for a breath while the boys are still in contact. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1060.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers checked in. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-454.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn is touching snouts with his new mother, with the escort female on our right.  It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-020.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rubs under its flipper in the warm freshwater of the springs. Vertical orientation with warming rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1053.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An actively swimming male manatee pursues a female in the shallow area of the springs. Horizontal orientation with tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-74-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious adult manatee rubs its flippers together while surfacing in the warm blue freshwater of a spring. It is lit by strong warming sun rays. Some manatee rest in the background. Vertical orientation with blue water, rainbow sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-75.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rubs under its flipper in the warm freshwater of the springs. The snout and whiskers are prominent. Vertical orientation with warming rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-59.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. The mother is surfacing to breathe but continuing to nurse. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Rare series. 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-1028.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. A curious adult manatee rubs its flipper while floating in the warm blue freshwater of a spring. It is lit by strong warming sun rays. Vertical orientation with blue water, rainbow sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-74-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves take a break from playing while one of their mothers swims in. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play. Horizontal orientation and blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-450.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee surfaces for a breath and stretches its snout with mouth open revealing many bristle like hairs. Another manatee rests in the background. Vertical 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-46-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee flexes its snout while exhaling bubbles in front of Three Sisters. Horizontal orientation with aqua water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-083.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious adult manatee rubs one flipper against another while floating in the warm blue freshwater next to a springhead. It is lit by strong warming sun rays. The snout, whiskers and nostrils are prominent. Vertical 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-70.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious adult manatee floats and rubs itself with its flipper in the warm blue freshwater of a spring. Vertical 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-106.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rubs under its flipper in the warm freshwater of the springs. Vertical orientation with warming rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-58.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee swims on its side by a warm blue freshwater springhead. 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-56.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Mother and calf take a breath at the same time out front of Three Sisters near the sanctuary. Fish, mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, and mojarra, Eucinostomus spp., swim below. Horizontal orientation with mottled sun rays and mixing blue and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-109.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An actively swimming male manatee pursues a female in the shallow area of the springs. Horizontal orientation with tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-73-2.tif
  • A rare photograph of myself, Carol Grant, underwater with socializing manatee taken in February 2017. I'm almost always on the other side of the viewfinder! I turned the dome port around for this shot of a male manatee social behavior. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment and other manatees while swimming in the clear blue spring water lit by the sun's rainbows. 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.
    Carol and Adult Manatees_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning.This adult female manatee partnered with a curious male manatee to attempt to take the infant away from its mother and escort female. This behavior is only noted as curiosity towards newborns as aggression cannot be assumed. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-105.tif
  • A rare photograph of myself, Carol Grant, underwater with an interested manatee taken in February 2017. I'm almost always on the other side of the viewfinder! I turned the dome port around for this shot of a manatee investigating. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment while comfortably floating in the clear blue spring water lit by the sun's rainbows. 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.
    Carol and Manatee_.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
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. An older male manatee calf plays intimately with its mother. This behavior is thought to be a sign to the mother that her calf needs to be weaned. Floating in the late-season blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8323.tif
  • When manatees rest there are no rules! Usually they rest on their stomachs, but a few unique individuals like to recline upside down as this female manatee is doing. Rainbow light adorns her underside. Manatees inhabit shallow waters all along Florida's costal and intracostal waterways. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment while comfortably floating in the clear blue spring water lit by the sun's rainbows. 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. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit.
    Upside-down Manatee Snooze_.tif
  • A manatee pauses while it basks in the warm Florida sun rays. Manatees enjoy the warm freshwater springs during the fall and winter.  This image is from November 2017. The Gulf of Mexico and other waterways get too cold for manatees during this time. 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.
    Manatee with Sun on its Back_.tif
  • Manatees inhabit shallow waters all along Florida's costal and intracostal waterways. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment often while floating and exercising their elephant-like prehensile snout, as this manatee is doing. 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. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit.
    Manatee Prehensile Snout_.tif
  • Another recent image from the 2017/2018 winter season. Manatee calves stay with their mothers for nearly two years and this calf is big enough to be near weaning. They learn everything from mom. Barnacles indicate this pair is a recent arrival to the freshwater springs. The barnacles will fall off in the fresh water environment and become food for anhinga and various other creatures. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the clrat blue freshwater springs. Spring outflow and natural lighting sometimes blend in a lovely blue scene like this. 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 Mother and Calf Swim Over Bi...tif
  • A very little manatee calf lit by winter rainbows is an irrestible combination! Manatees inhabit shallow waters all along Florida's costal and intracostal waterways. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment often while floating and exercising their prehensile snout, as this manatee is doing. 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. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Precious Manatee Calf Lit by Rainbow...tif
  • Early in the season in the fall manatee arrive often with barnacles. These crustations will fall off in the freshwater. This manatee is curious and full of spunk at the start of the season where manatees gather in the warm water springs. 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. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Early Season Manatee_.tif
  • 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. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Baby Manatee Takes a Breath_.tif
  • A female manatee peers above and below the surface of the Florida springs. Manatees have poor eyesight but do see colors and watery shapes. She also feels the surroundings with her tactile body hairs and whiskery snout. The demeanor looks completely relaxed as she balances on her tail while leaning back with perfect buoyancy in the freshwater. Sunfish or bream (Lepomis sp.) surround her. Vertical orientation with blue water and light rays. Undisturbed, natural behavior. 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.
    Peek-a-Boo_Manatee-2067.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult female manatee relaxes and rolls in the warm shallow waters that rim the springs. Tranquil and undisturbed behavior. Vertical orientation split image with clear water and warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-777.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee floats near a warm blue spring and submerged tree roots surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus. The manatee is tolerating the bream 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 blue water and light rays. Undisturbed, natural behavior. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-196.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee has its snout moving around in the sand . Researches theorize this behavior is sieving through sand to get minerals or nourishment , or it could be scrubbing its mouth or teeth, or maybe it just feels good as the snout is very sensitive. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. swim around the manatee. Vertical 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-113-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of male and female courting or cavorting behavior with more manatee in the background. The couple swims into strong, warming sunlight. The male touches and rubs the female with his snout. Horizontal orientation with beautiful blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-250.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series chronicling the courting or cavorting behavior between male and female manatees. The male approaches a female with a hidden fish, bream, Lepomis spp., in the clear blue freshwater. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-74-4.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series chronicling the courting or cavorting behavior between male and female manatees. The male gently pushes on a receptive female with his snout. Horizontal orientation with reflection in clear blue freshwater. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-72-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series chronicling the courting or cavorting behavior between male and female manatees. The male gently pushes on a receptive female with his snout. Horizontal orientation with reflection in clear blue freshwater. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-69-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series chronicling the courting or cavorting behavior between male and female manatees. The male touches a receptive female with his flipper. Horizontal orientation with reflection in clear blue freshwater. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-67-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series chronicling the courting or cavorting behavior between male and female manatees. The male rubs a  receptive female with his snout and whiskers. There is also a hidden fish, bream, Lepomis spp., in the clear blue freshwater. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-68-2.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
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