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  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Several manatees hang out and socialize in Little Sister Spring. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, and bream, Lepomis spp., also swim in the warm blue freshwater of this spring that is part of Three Sisters Springs. Bream target dead skin on the manatees and the sirenians try to ignore the irritating nips as much as possible. The minor fish nusiance doesn't keep them from basking and socializing in the warm waters of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatees_Being_Manatees_CGrant1256.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root n 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees_restored_eelgrass_Jan2022-4.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root n 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Four Manatees in Restored Eelgrass.tif
  • Two Florida manatees graze on restored eelgrass while a young calf waits patiently. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass.tif
  • Two manatees know exactly where the warmest place in the freshwater springs is on this January winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Two_Manatees_Seek_Warmest_Spots-1364.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
  • Manatees swim near a warm spring outflow. Manatees frequently move around these natural warm-water sources to show their calves around, find warmer spots or leave when the tide is retreating. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit
    Manatees Swim Near Warm Spring_.tif
  • Several manatees know exactly where the warmest place in the freshwater springs is on this January winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Manatees_Gather_near_Big_Sister_Spri...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. Several early season manatees frolic in the warm spring outflow. There is a young calf peering out. Barnacles indicate 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
    Several Manatees Enjoy the Springs_.tif
  • Split- level image showing three manatees enjoying the freshwater 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
    Blue Water Blue Sky and Manatees_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A few adult manatee with boat propeller scars and one with tail lacerations rest and try to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the natural springheads. Three other manatee are surfacing for a breath. Manatee need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1084.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A 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 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 group of manatees rest at the perimeter of the springs where the water can become a little cloudy. On this cold winter days it is a warm spot for manatees and fish, bream, Lepomis spp., that gather near the manatees. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-206.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. Two skinny adult manatees rest as one takes a breath in the warm shallow blue spring water lit by strong warming sun rays. Another manatee forages in the background surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. Manatees need these natural warm springs to survive cold weather, like today. Horizontal orientation with blue water and strong warming sun rays with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-27.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A mother and her calf, both with many boat propeller scar injuries, rest and try to stay warm with many other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. Horizontal orientation with blue water and many manatees. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-137-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A 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 group of manatees rest at the perimeter of the springs where the water can become a little cloudy. On this cold winter days it is a warm spot for manatees. 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-244.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler is observing a manatee mother and calf on a cool Florida day. The manatees are calm and the mother seems to be interested in the admiration of her little calf. Facing forward towards viewer. 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-0049.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 stretching 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-28-2.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. Manatees swim, socialize and rest near a warm blue freshwater springhead. A boardwalk or viewing platform is nestled amongst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image with strong sun and shadows. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1020.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three manatees in shallow water with warm sun rays. One manatee is nearly upside down as it rubs its snout on the log. A kayak is in the far background. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-153-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Four manatees rest and warm themselves by a freshwater springhead pumping out clear blue water. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus are present in the spring. A boardwalk or viewing platform is visible amidst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image with sun rays and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-37-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Four manatees rest and warm themselves by a freshwater springhead pumping out clear blue water. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus are present as is a Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. A boardwalk or viewing platform is visible amidst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image with sun rays and blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-36-2.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. 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. An adult male rests on its back upside down while warming near a blue springhead. Many bream, Lepomis spp. are present. 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 manatees Another adult rests in the background near the spring. Tranquil and undisturbed natural scene. Horizontal orientation with blue water, submerged tree roots and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-462.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler is observing many manatees on a cool Florida day. She floats peacefully at a distance. 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-6298.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two manatees socialize in the warm blue waters of a freshwater spring. Fish, mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, and bream, Lepomis spp., are present. 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-009.tif
  • My first black and white! I picked a scene that tells the story of light in the springs and the mysterious manatees. Rather than turning a closeup into a black and white, I wanted my first one to capture an intimate glimpse into manatee lives.  Sunfish, bream, (Lepomis spp.) are present. Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-9.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 as she floats relaxed. 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-70-3.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. A snorkeler photographs. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-78.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two eager cavorting male manatees bestow their attention on a slow moving mother and calf. 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-297.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatees swim, socialize and rest near a warm blue freshwater springhead. That is a younger calf in the foreground being nuzzled. A boardwalk or viewing platform is nestled amongst the numerous trees. Horizontal orientation split image with strong sun and shadows. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1072.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three manatees actively swim together while socializing in the warm, safe, blue freshwater of the springs. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-988.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A mother manatee rests on the bottom as her calf surfaces for air. Reflected are the manatees and three vents at one of the springs of Three Sisters. The pair is warming themselves in the warm blue , safe freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8624.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. A female manatee in warming rainbow light rays swims towards the viewer followed by a male.  Multiple other manatees are in the background in the freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatees_more_CGrant_PS-5966.tif
  • Manatee mother and calf along with another adult gather around the warm spring known as Big Sister Spring. Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus grisius, also winters here. The calf follows mom closely like a good calf and doesn't get lost. In the distance is a manatee-only resting area delineated by underwater markers. Big Sister is the largest of the Three Sisters Springs,  Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee,
    Manatees_Gather_Around_Spring-4931.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Horizontal orientation. Five manatee rest and sun themselves in the warm  freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatees_more_CGrant_PS-5852.tif
  • A male and female manatee nuzzle in the warm water and warm Florida sunlight. Cavorting is what researchers call this friendly behavior and it goes on often in the springs. This is a recent image from March 2018. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatees Nuzzle_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult female manatee stretches her whiskery snout  in the warm shallow waters that rim the springs. Tranquil and undisturbed behavior. Vertical orientation showing some sky and trees with clear water and warming sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatees_Have_Whiskers!-8.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 male manatees is floating with warm sun rays on his back. 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. Some fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are visible in the background. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-603.tif
  • What do manatees dream of? i would be it has to do with warm water, sun, abundant food and sometimes maybe little manatees? Here an adult manatee rests in warm Florida sunlight by a blue spring outflow. It is a rather bucolic scene. But what is wrong in this picture? Is there enough for this Florida manatee to eat so it will not starve like some unfortunate manatees did this past winter? Fortunately this adult manatee is healthy and well fed. The brown-green mats this photograph show the invasive Lyngbya algae that chokes out some of the manatee's food sources at freshwater sites all around the state. But 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 in the left corner of this photograph 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. Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee. Silver Glen Spring, Ocala National Forest, Florida. USA. November 30, 2021.
    Manatee Dreams.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother takes her calf to forage in the submerged tree roots near the perimeter of the springs. Manatees will rub their snouts on the roots and may also scrape root covers for a snack when there is no other food available in the area. The warm freshwater springs do not contain much food for manatees. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present around the mother and calf. 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 spring water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-536.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
  • 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. Natural sunlight highlights the scene. 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_and_Snapper_Swim_Over_Big_Si...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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatee release photographs from February 16, 2011. CC the manatee is released for a third time. Orphaned as a small 55 pound manatee in 2006, CC goes through three releases and is rescued a few times before he is to be considred a successful release back into the wild. CC is released this third time with a tracking buoy and a brand on his back. He is now in the front manatee sanctuary along with other tagged manatees on this day of his third release. Horizontal orientation surface photograph of manatees and tracking buoys in the front delineated sanctuary outside of Three Sisters. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-233.tif
  • When manatees rest there are no rules! Usually they rest on their stomachs, but a few unique individuals like to recline upside down as this female manatee is doing. Rainbow light adorns her underside. Manatees inhabit shallow waters all along Florida's costal and intracostal waterways. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment while comfortably floating in the clear blue spring water lit by the sun's rainbows. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit.
    Upside-down Manatee Snooze_.tif
  • A manatee pauses while it basks in the warm Florida sun rays. Manatees enjoy the warm freshwater springs during the fall and winter.  This image is from November 2017. The Gulf of Mexico and other waterways get too cold for manatees during this time. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee with Sun on its Back_.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The new manatee mother near the surface swims away from other manatees with the newborn calf on her snout. She was trying to keep him away from other curious manatees as a calf must bond with its mother soon after birth and not be separated. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-169.tif
  • A young manatee calf has its mother resting near the submerged cypress tree roots in the crystal clear water at Three Sisters Springs, It is fall, prior to the cooling of the winter season in Florida.These two manatees are early arrivals to the springs before the multitude of other manatees arrive for the winter warming season. Mother manatee sometimes bring their calves to the wintering sites early to familiarize their little ones with all the nooks and crannies. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, IUCN Endangered but proposed downlisting to Threatened by USFWS for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee_Mother_and_Calf_in_the_Sprin...tif
  • 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
  • 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. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. An adult manatee with propeller scar injuries and deep tail lacerations rests and tries to stay warm along with other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. An Atlantic needlefish, Strongylura marina swims near the top of the photograph. 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-81.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
  • Two Florida manatees, a mother and her calf, glide over restored eelgrass Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatee Mother Guides Calf Over Rest...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Manatees rest on a cold winter day in the warm waters of the springs. One has a deep tail injury. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. 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 manatee. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-148.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf nudges its mother with its flipper while floating next to her 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-189.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 young manatee follows it's mother around Three Sisters Springs. It is early in the cooler manatee season and this pair seemed to be taking a tour of the springs with no other manatees present. This split-level image shows the underwater springs with manatees and the cypress and other trees above. There is a corner of the boardwalk with an observer. Talen in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee,
    Little_Manatee_Follows_Mom_Around_Sp...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A series of manatees gathering near the warm springs during the bitter cold period of early January 2010. A mother and her calf, both with many boat propeller scar injuries, rest and try to stay warm other manatees around the warm blue freshwater of the springheads. 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-136.tif
  • Manatee calves often have wrinkly skin folds. This male calf has lots of wrinkles and he is fat! His mom feeds him well. Here is is playing near an adult male manatee who didn't seem to mind having the curious little guy around.  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
    Wrinkly_Manatee_Calf_and_Adult_Manat...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
  • It is very touching to observe a mother manatee nuzzling with her calf in the warm, safe, springfed freshwaters during the cooler months. 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
    Momma_and_Baby_Manatee_in_Sunlight-2...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Series depicting closeness of mother and calf. A calf nudges its mother with its flipper and vocalizes to her while floating near a warm blue spring on a cold winter day. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., 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-516.tif
  • A Manatee seeks the warmest water it can during this cold winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Adult_Manatee_Swims_into_Three_Siste...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. Series of mother and calf in the springs surrounded by fish, bream, Lepomis spp. The calf is curious while mom rests. 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-638.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-029.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-034.tif
  • A female manatee peers above and below the surface of the Florida springs. Manatees have poor eyesight but do see colors and watery shapes. She also feels the surroundings with her tactile body hairs and whiskery snout. The demeanor looks completely relaxed as she balances on her tail while leaning back with perfect buoyancy in the freshwater. Sunfish or bream (Lepomis sp.) surround her. Vertical orientation with blue water and light rays. Undisturbed, natural behavior. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Peek-a-Boo_Manatee-2067.tif
  • A young manatee knows exactly where the warmest place in the freshwater springs is on this January winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image has the spring below and blue sky with cypress and other trees above. 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_Rests_in_Sunlight-1387.tif
  • Two females, a female manatee and a lady snorkeler bond in the clear blue waters of Three Sisters Springs. Sometimes manatees are very curious about all life surrounding them, even us. The snorkeler respects the manatee's space. 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
    Two_Ladies_Manatee_and_Human-1372.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Seven manatee swim into the clear freshwater of Three Sisters Springs. The manatees know exactly where they want to go to claim their favorite spots in the warm waters of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Seven_Manatee_Swim_Three_Sisters_Spr...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-038.tif
  • A young manatee swims into the heart of the warm freshwater springs during a cool winter day. Florida manatees come to Three Sisters Springs during the cooler months to rest and stay warm. This split-level image shows both land and underwater views. Taken in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee
    Little_Manatee_Swims_into_Warm_Sprin...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-025.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn manatee is next to an escort female that teamed with the calf's mother to keep him away and safe from other active curious manatees. It is thought this escort female is a relative, attentive friend or a hopeful adoptive mother. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters and strong rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-194.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-042.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on his mother's back, with escort female on his left. They are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-040.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee in the foreground.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-036.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs, while being lifted to the surface. The mother and escort female are flanked on their right by the curious male manatee and on the far left by the curious other female manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-027.tif
  • 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
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A Manatee Watch volunteer in a yellow kayak and flag patrols the waters where manatee gather to stay warm in the winter. A manatee swims safely underwater. Horizontal orientation split image with sun rays and shadows. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-64.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
  • 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_more_CGrant_PS-681.tif
  • The male manatee to our right subtly touches the left flipper of an interested female manatee. Even though the large manatee mating herds are active, there is much socialization that goes on between manatees that is curious and gentle. It is refered to as "cavorting" by the manatee researchers. 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 Male and Female Hang Out_.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. Three manatees are the older female calf on the left, adoptive mother in the middle and orphan female manatee, adoptee, on the right. This ID photograph of tail notches on this adoptive mother and other subtle markings is one of the photographs researchers use to identify her. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS, Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Horizontal orientation with warm blue spring freshwater and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-742.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee swims with a young calf in the warm freshwater springs. Manatees will occasionally play with other manatee's calves. Another manatee rests below. Horizontal orientation with blue water. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1047.tif
  • A Florida manatee takes a break in between seagrass munching. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. Taken in November 2020 this lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more resilient. That along with restoration efforts here are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future. This manatee is not skinny! Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida.
    Manatee_surrounded_by_grass.tif
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler has a curious female manatee rub on her snorkel on a cool Florida day. Facing forward towards viewer. Vertical orientation and polite, passive observation, no touch. Even when no-touch observations are practiced some manatees are overly curious. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-6249.tif
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