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  • Manatee mother and calf take breaths simultaniously. Many researchers believe that manatee breathing is a learned behavior and it is not uncommon for cow and calf pairs to breath together. The bond is tight between the mom and her calf for nearly two years. as there is so much to learn. They are navigating  out of a manatee-only resting area thus the USFWS markers to the left. The pair swims around to various spots at the warm 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, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee_Mom_and_Calf_Take_a_Breath-1...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee surfaces for a breath in the warm blue freshwater of a springhead. 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-110.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. 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. 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 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. 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. An adult manatee takes a breath in shallow water by a warm blue freshwater springhead. Several other manatee rest in the background. 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-113.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male manatee takes a breath while floating at the surface with strong warming sunlight. Vertical orientation, blue water and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-261.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 takes a breath while lit by rainbow sun rays. Vertical orientation with blue water and bright light rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-655.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A young manatee takes a breath with other resting manatees below in the background. It is early Spring. He is reflected in the clear blue, freshwater spring waters of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-110-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A young manatee calf warms itself at the surface while taking a breath in  the warm blue freshwater and sunlight. The bumpy skin is something calves grow out of after time. Horizontal orientation, peaceful with sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-204.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. One manatee is taking a breath and the ripples are evident on the calm surface. Horizontal 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-251.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A calf approaches another adult manatee by a warm blue freshwater spring. This calf is most likely in the springs alone, for a short period, while its mother goes to forage or socialize. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1050.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 get cloudy. One manatee is taking a breath and the reflection is evident on the calm surface. This is a warm spot for manatees on cold days. Horizontal orientation with sun, rainbow light and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-243-2.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 while the calf rises for a breath. A few other manatee 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-18.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. 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. A manatee surfaces for a breath in the warm blue freshwater. The manatee is diagonal in the frame. Vertical orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-883.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother swims slowly with calf while it takes a breath as both are reflected on the calm surface. The red algae on their backs can be a clue as to where the pair spent the summer. 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-183.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 male manatee takes a peaceful breath by a warm water spring that is nestled amongst the surrounding forest trees on November 30, 2021. It looks bucolic and sounds like an ideal life, but this adult Florida manatee's life is not without challenges. The manatee needs to stay warm and the 72 degree Fahrenheit spring water and warm Florida sunshine here fufills that need. This manatees needs to get enough to eat and it appears it is in good condition plus there is aquatic vegetation not far away in a nearby lake. Spring fed areas typically don't contain a lot of plants for the manatee to eat and in some areas most of the aquatic vegetation has died, but conservationists are working on that. The brown-green mats in this photograph shows the invasive Lyngbya algae that chokes out some of the manatee's food sources at freshwater sites all around the state. There is hope though as something is being done about this. Currently there are very successful Lyngbya removal and eelgrass replanting efforts on the West Coast of Florida. And the East Coast manatees that make it this far inland have conservationists working hard here too. Just to the west of this spring is a roped off area of recently planted specially bred eelgrass that is protected in special cages. It is growing tall and will proliferate, joining other replanted areas around the spring run. That is a start but this Lyngbya will have to be removed also which entails cooperation of different agencies plus the communithy. The investment of time and money is worth every penny and man-hour to ensure the Florida manatee's future. The natural light for photography here is stunning. I'm thrilled when natural light and manatee come together! Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee. Ocala National Forest, Florida. USA.
    Manatee_breath_forest.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee rises for a breath on the calm surface near a blue freshwater spring. The influx of outside water mixes to make the water more aqua green. There are fish, bream, Lepomis spp., present. Horizontal orientation split image lit with sun rays and blue sky with numerous trees circling the spring. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-500.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. An adult male manatee swims takes a breath near a warm 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_snapper.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Several adults swim in the warm blue freshwater. Two manatees are surfacing to breathe. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-244-2.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. A mother and calf surface for a breath on a cold winter day. They warm themselves in the natural freshwater springs. The calf appears to have some sort of sores, possibly from cold stress or a virus. 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-43.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee takes a breath in the warm blue freshwater of a spring. It is lit by strong warming rainbow sun rays.  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-104.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult rests and warms in blue freshwater and sunlight while surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. An active female calf is nearby. The adult manatee is tolerating the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream are targeting dermis and dead skin on the manatee. Horizontal orientation with warming sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1014.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
  • 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. 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. Four manatees rest and warm themselves by a freshwater springhead pumping out clear blue water. A whitefin sharksucker, Echenesis neucratoides, is attached to the underside of the surfacing manatee. 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-30.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf rises for a breath while next to its mother near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are present around the young animal. The manatees tolerate the bream 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 water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-692.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. An adult manatee rises for a breath while warming itself in the spring water and rainbow sun rays. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Peaceful, natural, undistrubed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water, sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-377.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female takes a breath while a male nudges her. Horizontal orientation with blue and green waters mixing. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS--3.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 as it rises for a breath. 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-865.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female manatee rises for a breath in the warm calm freshwater springs. She is reflected in the calm surface as are fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The manatee tolerates the bream as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatee. Horizontal orientation with reflection, blue water, submerged tree roots and soft sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-498.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 gets curious while mother rises for a breath. 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-637.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee surfaces for a breath in the warm blue freshwater of a springhead. 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-160.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult female manatee rises for a breath near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are in the background. Horizontal orientation with blue water and soft sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-517.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. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together while rising for a breath 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. 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-522.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series of mother and calf in the springs. Mother takes a breath while her active calf takes off to explore, flanked by fish, mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus. Their red algae can be a clue as to where the pair spent the summer. 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-273.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 rises for a breath near a large spring. He is reflected on the calm surface and so are his ugly propeller scars. He swims over remnants of wooden posts left by the Cousteau team in the early 1970s while they were corralling a rescued manatee named Sewer Sam.  Tranquil warm blue freshwater, reflection 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-097.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. A curious manatee floats and surfaces for a breath. Snout and whiskers are prominent. 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-106-3.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
  • 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. A male manatee calf surfaces for a breath with its mother in the warm  freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7792.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. A female manatee rises for a breath in the warm calm freshwater springs. She is reflected in the calm surface as are 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 reflection, blue water, submerged tree roots and soft sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-497.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rises for a breath while warming itself in the spring water and rainbow sun rays. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Peaceful, natural, undistrubed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water, sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-378.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 polite snorkeler with a GoPro camera takes video of a manatee rising for a breath.  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-868.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. He is rising to take a breath. 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-698.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 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. A series chronicling the courting or cavorting behavior between male and female manatees. The male nuzzles a female while she takes a breath with a 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-73-4.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 her, including the best times to surface for a breath. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment. 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 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 Mother and Older Calf in the...tif
  • Size difference in manatee calf and manatee mother tails. 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 Tail and Big Manantee...tif
  • New image. This curious male manatee checks out the photographer while rising for a breath near a warm spring. The thin cloud layer produced an interesting glow in the springs. Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7821.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rises for a breath while warming itself in the spring water and sun rays. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Peaceful, natural, undistrubed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water, sun rays and reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-379.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. Many manatees gather and try and stay warm around the warm blue freshwater of the natural springheads. One of the manatees is surfacing for a breath. Manatees need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection and warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-74.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 appears to tickle the female as she takes a breath. Horizontal orientation with beautiful blue spring water, reflection and rainbow light. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-252.tif
  • A Florida manatee takes a breath 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_seagrass_Grant.tif
  • My third cover for Visit Citrus Magazine. A younger female manatee catches a breath as my friend Meredith admires her in the crystal clear waters of Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida.<br />
PDF of entire issue with more of my photographs:<br />
http://pages.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/visitcitrus/ovg2015/offline/visitcitrus_ovg2015.pdf
    VisitCitrusCover_CarolGrant.jpg
  • Manatee Health Assessments, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. November 10, 2011 am. Researchers from several federal and state agencies and other partners work together to gather data during the manatee capture and health assessments. A Manatee Rescue boat is used as a platform to gather data sampling from a manatee. Body temperature monitoring, blood sampling,wound dressing, are some of the procedures in progress. Water is poured over the snout to help the animal with its breaths and to keep the skin moist. The manatee is only out of the water for a pre-determined safe period of time. Scars on the manatee are documented.
    Manatee_assessments_CGrant_PS-152.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. 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. 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. One calf is curious and another manatee rests on the bottom. Rare series. 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-1032.tif