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  • On the Spring Equinox 2019, a mother manatee swims into the  freshwater warm springs with her appx. two week old calf. The mother manatee is keeping her calf safe beside her while moving from Big Sister Spring to Pretty Sister Spring. USGS Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System IDed the mother. I have all the information, contact Carol Grant for specific information. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Baby_manatee_mother_spring_equinox.tif
  • On the Spring Equinox, 2023, a manatee enters the spring run at Three Sisters Springs. There was a short bit of cooler weather late in March, just enough coolness to tempt a few manatees back into the springs. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River, Florida. Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee.
    Manatee_enters_spring_equinox23.tif
  • When the water starts to cool in Florida manatees can be found streaming into warm water areas. I've observed over the years, if the water cools, but doesn't cool too much, often there is an increase in manatee cavorting. It's almost like both males and females are celebrating their return to the treasured warm water winter abodes. When it cools down dramatically the manatees will rest more and conserve energy. But on this twilight of the Florida cold front, before the cold really settles in, they spread out all over and seem to have a celebration of manatee life. Currently in 2022 this very area has seen a resurgence in restored nutricious eelgrass for manatees to graze on. This is another reason at this crucial time it's imperative that boats keep a sharp eye out for the cavorting and grazing manatees.  Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, West Coast of Florida USA. Taken on December 10, 2018.
    Cavorting_manatees.tif
  • The fortunate manatees that winter in the springs of Kings Bay got a Christmas present! Lush thick eelgrass beds have been restored right near the entrance to Three Sisters Springs. This mother manatee was munching right before she led her calf back into the springs. It has been years since healthy aquatic grass was available in the canal right in front of this popular manatee wintering area. It has made it easy for mother manatees to eat, with calf in tow, while traveling to various spring areas nearby. A healthy well-fed mother manatee equals a rotund energetic calf. Plus the seagrass beds off Citrus County wererecently surveyed andobserved to be healthy and abundant. I took this photograph on December 22, 2021. Merry Christmas manatee mom and little one! Now we need to repeat this abundant food sutuation by restoring access to seagrass areas for manatees on Florida's East Coast, where aquatic vegetation has dimished lately. Conservationists are working hard on this right now. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee.Three Sisters Springs, West Coast of Florida Crystal River, Florida USA.
    Mother_Manate_ and_Healthy_Calf.tif
  • On the Spring Equinox 2019, a mother manatee swims into the  freshwater warm springs with her appx. two week old calf. USGS Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System IDed the mother. I have all the information, contact Carol Grant for specific information. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Baby_manatee_floats_mom_spring_equin...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
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Two Florida manatees, a mother and her calf, glide over restored eelgrass Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatee Mother and Calf Glide Over R...tif
  • 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
  • A manatee swims over the warm Big Sister spring at Three Sisters Springs towards the shallow sunlit areas that rim the spring. Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and white mullet (Mugil curema also seek warmth and minerals from Florida's underwater aquifer bubbling up. The round marks on the manatee's back are from barnacles shed earlier in the season. The big spring is rimmed with manatees, resting and socializing. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatee_Swims_Over_Spring_Towards_Wa...tif
  • 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. A manatee swims over Big Sister Spring attracting a school of Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, in its wake. These warm blue freshwaters of Three Sisters Springs are a winter haven for manatees and various fish. Taken at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Fish_Spring-1739.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler is observing a manatee who is investigating the ridges on her snorkel with its snout. Even when no-touch observation is followed some manatees can be very curious and investigative. Horizontal orientation and polite, passive observation, no touch. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-7735.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two female snorkelers observe an approaching female manatee on a cool Florida day. Facing forward towards viewer, the divers are delighted. Horizontal orientation and polite, passive observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6280.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A polite snorkeler with a GoPro camera takes video of a manatee. A series of peaceful passive interaction, observation, with beautiful reflections. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue spring and green waters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-863.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two manatee swim into the warm freshwater springs. Horizontal orientation scenic split image with patterned sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-50.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee floats near a warming blue freshwater spring joined by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. Vertical orientation with strong sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1000.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee floats with its head turned to the left 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-163.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious  adult manatee floats 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-103-2.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. 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. Two manatee rest near submerged tree roots with reflections of blue water, tree roots and manatees. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1036.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. 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 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.An adult manatee with green algae on its snout swims in the warm blue freshwater. This type of algae is not eaten but was probably encountered while foraging. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-128-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rests on its side in the warm blue freshwater. Horizontal orientation with sun. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-58-3.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. A mother and calf float above a warm freshwater springhead. The strong sun rays are also warming. The calf is reassured while touching mom. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present as are two other resting manatees and submerged tree roots. 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-1040.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A calf nudges its mother while both float in warm blue spring water. A peaceful and tranquil touching scene with reflections. Horizontal orientation with beautiful light rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1038.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 manatee calf rubs its flippers together while floating near a warm blue spring. Young manatee often have bumpy skin which they eventually grow out of. The young animal's snout and whiskers are prominent as is its curious eye. Peaceful, tranquil and undisturbed scene. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-521.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together while floating in the warm blue freshwater springs. The young manatee's snout and whiskers are prominent while lit by rainbow sun rays. Calves often have this bumpy, itchy skin which they eventually grow out of. Horizontal orientation. with blue water, reflection and warming sun rays on a cold winter day. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-519.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together while floating near a warm blue spring. Young manatee often have bumpy, itchy skin which they eventually grow out of. The young animal displays a very cute pose and a curious eye while lit by beautiful rainbow sun rays. Peaceful, tranquil and undisturbed scene. 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-126.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A male and female manatee socialize together in the warm spring fed waters. Horizontal orientation, undisturbed. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-991.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
  • Some of the aquatic grass cages used for seagrass restoration work. These cages were placed seom distance from the springs but the tidal current has spread the seargass all up and down the canal. The name of this grass is rockstar eelgrass and it is planted by Sea and Shoreline with approval from USFWS at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This approach has been quite sucessful in areas with a lot of light and tidal flow. There are grasses coming back every year now where there has not been any seagrass for years. Manatees consume the grass but it comes back. The water here is markedly clearer also, even some distance away from the springs.
    Seagrass_cages_CrystalRiver.tif
  • Young male manatee calf displays curious nature. He is looking intently. What does he see? Even though manatee eyesight is regarded as poor, in their watery world the underwater colors and shapes they see are different from the way we see but effective for them. Manatees also learn to "feel" to see with their vibrasse manatee hairs. Three Sisters Springs on a clear blue water peaceful day.  Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Young Alert Manatee.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
  • 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
  • It is very touching to observe a mother manatee leading her young calf around the safe warm springs. Passive observation on the manatees' terms is the proper way as shown by this polite snorkeler. Manatee calves often have wrinkly skin folds. This male calf has lots of wrinkles and he is fat! His mom feeds him well..  Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Mother_Manatee_with_Calf_and_Polite_...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of an adult female manatee who checks in on a male calf that is alone in the springs. There is tender tactile interaction, socialization, and evident caring. The two manatees engage in manatee touching with their flippers entwined or holding flippers. Horizontal orientation with blue water from the spring and other manatee below with reflections and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Holding_Hands-681.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler with a curious manatee at her side look out at the viewer in strong sunlight on a cool Florida day. Facing forward towards viewer. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation, no touch. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6233.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler is at the water's surface with a manatee in strong sunlight on a cool Florida day. Facing forward towards viewer. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6167.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 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is CC Baby the second of the releases. CC Baby is not very timid and kicked up a lot of sand, quickly, while exiting the stretcher. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release.  Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-725.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatees swim towards a warm blue freshwater springhead. A boardwalk or viewing platform is nestled amongst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-138.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee swims into the warm freshwater springs on a cool cloudy day. it passes submerged tree roots with a fish, bream, Lepomis spp. amidst the roots. Horizontal orientation split image with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-21.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. Adoptive mother's older well fed female calf entertains herself in the springs while the mother is away with the little orphan.  Manatee Rescue volunteer in a red kayak documents the adoptive mother's older calf with a camera. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Horizontal orientation split image with clear water and rainbow light rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-12.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male manatee rests and warms himself in freshwater with sunlight on his back. His snout and whiskers are prominent. Vertical orientation, blue water and strong warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1006.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male manatee rests and warms himself in freshwater with sunlight. His snout and whiskers are prominent. Vertical orientation, blue water and warming sun rays with partial reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-277.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. A curious manatee with snout and whiskers clearly visible swims into the warm sunlight. Another manatee rests below in the warm, blue, spring fed water. Horizontal orientation with reflection and strong sun. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-880.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 curious manatees float while lit by sun rays out front of Three Sisters Springs. Green water often predominates away from the springheads. Horizontal orientation, green water with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-510.tif
  • 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. A curious mother with a small calf and another curious adult swim with other manatee in the sand below. Green, aqua water predominates this morning. 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-499.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Several adults swim and socialize in the warm blue freshwater. Strong sunlight also helps keep them warm. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-243-3.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 young manatee floats near a warm blue spring surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The manatee is tolerating the fish attention as it is the price to pay for sharing the warm waters. Bream target dermis and dead skin on the manatee. Vertical orientation with blue water and light rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-135-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male manatee swims over a large freshwater springhead. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, hover in the warm blue spring waters. One of a series of relaxing manatee behaviors. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee Relaxes By Spring With Snapp...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee's tail is lit with warming rainbow sun rays while it rests by a freshwater spring. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-103.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male floats at the surface near a springhead. Vertical orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-83.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious adult floats effortlessly near a blue freshwater springhead while looking out at the viewer. The entire manatee is lit by rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation with sun rays and other manatee resting below. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-66.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. January 13, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small female orphan manatee is on the right of the potential adoptive mother while the mother's older female calf is on the left. Many active manatee are in the springs. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring water on a cold day with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-702.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 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 manatee visits the submerged tree roots with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Rubbing or chewing on tree roots could be investigation, or it could be scraping of certain root covers for a snack as there is little to eat near the freshwater springs. 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, reflection and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1027.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over blue freshwater springheads. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-133-2.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 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. A calf stays near its mother while both float in warm blue spring water. A peaceful and tranquil touching scene with reflections. Horizontal orientation with beautiful light rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1039.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf floats close to his mother near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., and a mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, are presentl. 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-694.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee calf rubs its flippers together against its chest while floating and rolling in the warm freshwater springs. His mother observes. Young manatee often have this bumpy, itchy skin they eventually grow out of. Horizontal orientation with blue water, reflections and another manatee resting in the background. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-639.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. 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. 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
  • On the Spring Equinox 2019, a mother manatee swims into the  freshwater warm springs with her appx. two week old calf. USGS Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System IDed the mother. I have all the information, contact me, Carol Grant for specific information. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Mother_manatee_2weekold_calf.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • An adult male manatee warms by a blue freshwater spring during winter time in Florida. Manatees need warm water sources to survive winter cold snaps and this manatee seemes quite comfortable. Manatees have wonderful buoyancy skills and along with the spring outflow can achieve engaging water positions. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee.
    Contented_manatee_blue_spring_stands.tif
  • An adult male manatee warms by a blue freshwater spring during winter time in Florida. Manatees need warm water sources to survive winter cold snaps and this manatee seemes quite comfortable basking in Florida sunlight. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee.
    Manatee_blue_spring_water.tif
  • On the Spring Equinox 2019, a mother manatee swims around the  freshwater warm springs with her appx. two week old calf. Besides the warm water benefits, mother manatees often first orient their young offspring around the safe springs. USGS Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System IDed the mother. I have all the information, contact me, Carol Grant for specific information. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Mother with Young Manatee Calf.tif
  • A rotund male manatee calf swims above his mother while she guides him into the warm springs. Calves often swim above (or below) their moms while keeping tactile contact. The strong Florida sunlight feels good to the pair and is not too bright as manatee eyesight is poor. They "feel" their world with many body hairs. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Calf Follows Mother in the F...tif
  • Split- level image showing a calf following its mother in Three Sisters 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. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatee Calf Follows Mother in Three...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
  • 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
  • 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
  • In Florida at various locations it is possible to carefully and politely observe manatee in their watery environment. Three Sisters Springs is a good place to see the curious manatees. Following strict rules this female snorkeler has the experience of a lifetime gazing at an interested female manatee. Being very curious creatures they regularly investigate their environment.  This manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Polite Swimmer Observes Manatee_.tif
  • A manatee swims over the warm Big Sister spring at Three Sisters Springs. Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) also seek warmth and minerals from Florida's underwater aquifer bubbling up. The round marks on the manatee's back are from barnacles shed earlier in the season. The big spring is rimmed with manatees, resting and socializing. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatee_Swims_Over_Big_Sister_Spring...tif
  • Manatee mother and calf along with another adult gather around the warm spring known as Big Sister Spring. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus grisius, also winters here. The calf follows mom closely like a good calf and doesn't get lost. In the distance is a manatee-only resting area delineated by underwater markers. Big Sister is the largest of the Three Sisters Springs,  Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee,
    Manatees_Gather_Around_Spring-4931.tif
  • Manatee mother and calf swim next to each other in the gorgeous spring blue freshwaters of  Three Sisters Springs. This manatee calf is nearly as big as mom. Calves stay with their mothers for two years and grow substantially in that time. 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. Nikon d7200 1/80 f8 Tokina 10-17 at 15mm ISO 400 Subal Underwater Housing, Subal 8" dome port, natural light. Post-processing is normal listed actions.
    Older_Manantee_Calf_With_Mom-1370.tif
  • A Florida manatee peers out at the viewer. It is still covered by red algae that has not disappeared yet due to a warm winter so far. The natural curiosity of this intriguing marine mammal is evident. 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_with_Red_Algae-1363.tif
  • A Florida manatee rests in the warm spring water enhanced by direct sunshine near Big Sister Spring. It is the middle of the winter season when manatees come to the freshwater springs to stay warm. To the far left underwater markers are set to delineate manatee only resting areas. The public boardwalk that recently opened, invites land visitors to observe manatees while staying warm and dry. As of 2015 the boardwalk is operated by the City of Crystal River but is still part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Nikon d7200 1/125 f13 Tokina 10-17 at 10mm ISO 320 Subal Underwater Housing, Subal 8" dome port, natural light. Post-processing is normal listed actions that are not "beyond".
    Manatee_Rests_Near_Boardwalk-3309.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatee mother takes a breath while nursing her calf. Manatee mom multitasks near Pretty Sister Spring's warm blue freshwater. This is one of the three tandem springs that comprise Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_Mother_Multitasks-1220.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two manatees look like they are discussing current events back in Three Sisters Springs. Manatees will spend time socializing in the warm waters of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatees_Lets_Talk-1247.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A young female manatee forages in early October before many manatee gather at Three Sisters Springs. There is usually little edible vegetation in the springs, but early in the season this manatee enjoys a substantial snack of aquatic grass, etc. Horizontal orientation with beautiful blue spring water, reflection and cypress tree roots. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Young_Manatee_Forages_Three_Sisters_...tif
  • Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-0028.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two female snorkelers at Three Sisters Springs observe a young calf playing on a cool Florida day. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6273.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two female snorkelers at Three Sisters Springs on a cool Florida day. They do not swim over or disturb the resting manatees. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6271.tif
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