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  • Two Florida manatees, a mother and her calf, glide over restored eelgrass Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatee Mother and Calf Glide Over R...tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Two Florida manatees graze on restored eelgrass while a young calf waits patiently. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds while a young calf nurses. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees Graze on Restored Eelgrass ...tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root n 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatees_restored_eelgrass_Jan2022-4.tif
  • Several Florida manatees graze and frolic on restored eelgrass beds. Now while moving from one warm water sanctuary area to another, the manatees can munch along the way! Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the USFWS Refuge where no aquatic grass has been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass broadly took root n 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's East Coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Four Manatees in Restored Eelgrass.tif
  • Two Florida manatees, a mother and her calf, glide over restored eelgrass Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. This lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge where no aquatic grass had been able to take root for many years. This hybrid variety named rock star eelgrass took root broadly in 2019 and has quickly proliferated. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more  resilient. That along with restoration efforts like this one are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future.  Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida, USA.
    Manatee Mother Guides Calf Over Rest...tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. 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 with a brand and tracking buoy. Right after CC swims out of the stretcher he becomes a little disoriented. Horizontal orientation split image with personnel who helped release him from USFWS, United States Fish and Wildlife Services, USGS, United States Geological Survey, Lowry Park Zoo and Sea to Shore Alliance, etc. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-124.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. 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 with a brand and tracking buoy. Right after CC swims out of the stretcher he becomes a little disoriented. Horizontal orientation split image with personnel who helped release him from USFWS, United States Fish and Wildlife Services, USGS, United States Geological Survey, Lowry Park Zoo and Sea to Shore Alliance, etc. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-128.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. 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. 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. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-723.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-735.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. A kayak with a camera held underwater gets further documentation. A Manatee Rescue volunteer is in the kayak holding the camera. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-730.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the left with adoptive mother and the mother's well fed older female calf waits on the right. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-716.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Note the propeller scars. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-724.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Krystal, the third of the releases. Krystal the manatee swims away with tracking buoy attached as soon as freedom calls. 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-729.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 Krystal, the third of the releases. Krystal the manatee is timid at first but starts to swim away with tracking buoy attached. 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-727.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 Krystal, the third of the releases. Krystal the manatee is timid at first but begins to swim away with tracking buoy attached. 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-728.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 Krystal, the third of the releases. She is very timid at first but begins to exit the stretcher towards freedom. Krystal has a tracking buoy attached. 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-726.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 Krystal, the third of the releases. She is very timid at first but begins to exit the stretcher towards freedom. Krystal has a tracking buoy attached. 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-726.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Note the propeller scars. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-724.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the left with adoptive mother and the mother's well fed older female calf waits on the right. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-740.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 Krystal, the third of the releases. Krystal the manatee is timid at first but starts to swim away with tracking buoy attached. 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-727.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. 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 with a brand and tracking buoy. Right after CC swims out of the stretcher he becomes a little disoriented. Horizontal orientation split image with personnel who helped release him from USFWS, United States Fish and Wildlife Services, USGS, United States Geological Survey, Lowry Park Zoo and Sea to Shore Alliance, etc. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-124.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Hamilton, the first of the releases. He is finding his own way with tracking buoy attached. Named after the late USFWS Director Sam Hamilton, Hamilton is a rescued orphan manatee from Three Sisters, February 2010 and now at release weighs in at 670 pounds. Personnel from United States Fish and Wildlife Services and four other parties conduct the successful release. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-723.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 13, 2012 there are releases of three rehabilitated manatees back into the wild. This is Krystal, the third of the releases. Krystal the manatee swims away with tracking buoy attached as soon as freedom calls. 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-729.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 Krystal, the third of the releases. Krystal the manatee is timid at first but begins to swim away with tracking buoy attached. 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-728.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. 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 with a brand and tracking buoy. Right after CC swims out of the stretcher he becomes a little disoriented. Horizontal orientation split image with personnel who helped release him from USFWS, United States Fish and Wildlife Services, USGS, United States Geological Survey, Lowry Park Zoo and Sea to Shore Alliance, etc. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-128.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf nurses on the right with adoptive mother also nursing the mother's well fed older female calf on the left. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and rainbow sun rays. Rare photograph, rare behavior, uncommon observation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1076.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf swims with adoptive mother. The skinny calf motions frequently to nurse. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS, Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-744.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Small orphan calf swims on the left with adoptive mother and the mother's well fed older female calf on the right. This adoptive mother manatee is CR554, a female first documented in 1999 and she has been seen with four calves over the years in addition to this young adoptee. Identification data is supplied by Cathy A. Beck, Wildlife Biologist, from USGS, Sirenia Project, United States Geological Survey. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp. are present. Horizontal orientation with blue spring water and sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-743.tif
  • Manatee Health Assessments, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. November 10, 2011 pm. Researchers from several federal and state agencies and other partners work together to gather data during the manatee capture and health assessments. Cathy Beck, Wildlife Biologist with US Geological Survey's Sirenia Project, documents various manatee data on an official form.
    Manatee_assessments_CGrant_PS-336.tif
  • Manatee Health Assessments, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. November 10, 2011 pm. Researchers from several federal and state agencies and other partners work together to gather data during the manatee capture and health assessments. Official form filled out by Cathy Beck, Wildlife Biologist with US Geological Survey's Sirenia Project, documents various manatee data including markings or scars.
    Manatee_assessments_CGrant_PS-337.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
  • A Florida manatee takes a breath in between seagrass munching. Seagrass restoration projects in and around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge have been successful. Taken in November 2020 this lush seagrass is in front of the Three Sisters Springs area of the Refuge. While some areas on Florida's east coast had seagrass areas collapse, the west coast of Florida's grass beds have been more resilient. That along with restoration efforts here are key to insuring healthy manatees for the future. This manatee is not skinny! Trichechus manatus latirostris, the Florida manatee at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in front of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida.
    Manatee_seagrass_Grant.tif
  • A rare photograph of myself, Carol Grant, underwater with an interested manatee taken in February 2017. I'm almost always on the other side of the viewfinder! I turned the dome port around for this shot of a manatee investigating. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment while comfortably floating in the clear blue spring water lit by the sun's rainbows. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Carol and Manatee_.tif
  • Relax with this female manatee as she leans back, stretches and takes a breath near submerged cypress tree roots in Little Sister Spring.  The warm blue freshwater of the Three Sisters Springs invites manatees to come bask in the warmth. It is vital these few remaining natural warm water Florida spring habitats are protected for the manatees to flock to in the cooler months.  Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, and a few bream, Lepomis spp., are also present to share the treasured habitat. I was very still in the water column and holding my breath to witness this natural and engaging manatee behavior. Taken at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS proposed downlisting to Threatened for 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0
    La-Z_Girl_Manatee-2061.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
  • 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 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
  • 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. Horizontal orientation. An older male manatee calf plays intimately with its mother. This behavior is thought to be a sign to the mother that her calf needs to be weaned. Floating in the late-season blue freshwater of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-8323.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The escort female pushes the newborn male calf up to the surface to breathe while she takes a breath. The mother manatee is guiding a curious male manatee away on the right. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-135.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A young manatee with healed propeller wounds swims near the warm springhead. Other manatee are resting near the spring. 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-103-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee with a tracking buoy attached rests in the clear blue warm freshwater. Two springheads, kayaks and sun rays are also visible. Vertical orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-205.tif
  • Mangrove snapper, Lutjanus griseus, swim above a large, warm, blue freshwater springhead. The fish are lit by rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-298.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A female snorkeler observes an active manatee calf on a cool Florida day with manatees gathered around the warm springs. Horizontal orientation and polite, passive interaction. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-879.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 resting. He is keeping a respectful distance in this 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-862.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
  • A family with child in one of the kayaks explores the natural freshwater springs on a cool winter day. Horizontal orientation split image. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-11.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A curious adult manatee swims in the warm blue freshwater of the springs. Vertical orientation with sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1054.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rubs under its flipper in the warm freshwater of the springs. Vertical orientation with warming rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1053.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult manatee rubs its flippers on its underside while floating at the surface in the warm blue freshwater of a spring. 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-137-3.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 manatee rests on the sand by submerged tree roots. Fish, bream, Lepomis spp., are present. Vertical orientation, tranquil blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-29.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. 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. An adult manatee with green algae on its snout gazes out while floating in the clear blue warm freshwater. There are other manatee in the background. Horizontal orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-275-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee turns its head and body in this cute pose from this curious marine mammal. The manatee is rubbing its flippers together. Warm rainbow light rays grace its snout. Horizontal orientation with blue water, sun and tree roots. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132-4.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.  Submerged tree roots are in the background. 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-119.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An adult male floats at the surface near a springhead. Male manatees frequently rest and stretch their anatomy. Vertical orientation. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-82-2.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. A manatee rests by two warm, blue freshwater springheads. It is warmed by rainbow sun rays. Horizontal orientation, peaceful and undisturbed. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-12-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A manatee rests undisturbed by warm blue freshwater springheads. Vertical orientation with tranquil blue water and rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-10.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Two male manatee calves engage in intimate play near the perimeter of the springs. More manatee are resting in the background. One of a series of calf intimate play or cavorting play behaviors. Horizontal orientation with rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-340.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. January 27, 2012, a series of the documented adoption of a small female orphan manatee calf. Adoptive mother's well fed older female calf waits in the warm freshwater springs while mother is away with the orphan.  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-770.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. Mother nursed both calves for over three minutes straight. Rare series and rare behavior. Vertical orientation with blue freshwater from the springhead. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1031.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee nurses twin female calves at the same time in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. More manatee rest by the warm blue freshwater springhead. The other calf that is surfacing appears to have sores, possibly from cold stress or a virus. Rare series and rare behavior. Horizontal orientation with blue water and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1030.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A mother manatee navigates with twin female calves in the warm springs on a cold winter day. Twins are rare and these are not documented but evidence suggests they are twins and not a calf plus an adoptee. The threesome swims over a blue freshwater springhead. Other manatee rest in the background. Rare series. Horizontal orientation with reflection. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-132-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is on its mother's back as she swims near me, apparently to block other curious manatee from the infant. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-079.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. February 29, 2008, rare series of the documented first day of a newborn male manatee calf that takes place out front of Three Sisters in the shallow waters in front of the manatee sanctuary. The rare event begins about an hour after sunrise. No other people, besides myself, came for almost an hour so this depicts natural manatee behaviors. It was an unusually cold, late winter morning. The newborn male calf is laying between its mother and the escort female on their backs. The mother and escort female are flanked on either side by the curious other female manatee and curious male manatee.  The manatees are in front of the sanctuary because the water level is too shallow inside the sanctuary on this morning and there may be less room to escape curious manatee inside the sanctuary at this time. Horizontal orientation with mixing blue, aqua and green waters, lit by rainbow sun rays. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-038.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A calf approaches another adult manatee by a warm blue freshwater spring. This calf is most likely in the springs alone, for a short period, while its mother goes to forage or socialize. Horizontal orientation with reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-1050.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A 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. 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 mother and calf swim in clear, warm freshwater habitat. This mother swims with her calf underneath her to protect and guide it. Horizontal orientation, backlighting with sun. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-225.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
  • 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. Manatees socializing and cavorting swim into the blue freshwater springs. A mother and calf trying to rest are on the sand bottom. Horizontal orientation with beautiful warm sunlight. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-294.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. An actively swimming male manatee pursues a female in the shallow area of the springs. Horizontal orientation with tree roots and reflections. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Manatee_more_CGrant_PS-74-3.tif
  • Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. A 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
  • Young male manatee calf displays dexterity while stretching during playtime. Rainbow sunrays light his carefree expression in the warm springs. Three Sisters Springs on a clear blue water peaceful day.  Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered IUCN. USFWS downlisted to Threatened in 2017. Kings Bay, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA.
    Joyful Manatee Calf.tif
  • A manatee pauses while it basks in the warm Florida sun rays. Manatees enjoy the warm freshwater springs during the fall and winter.  This image is from November 2017. The Gulf of Mexico and other waterways get too cold for manatees during this time. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0.
    Manatee with Sun on its Back_.tif
  • Manatees inhabit shallow waters all along Florida's costal and intracostal waterways. Being very curious creatures they investigate their environment often while floating and exercising their elephant-like prehensile snout, as this manatee is doing. This is a peek at an undisturbed, natural behavior while this manatee winters in the freshwater springs. Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, endangered. Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida USA. IUCN Red List: Endangered. USFWS implemented downlisting to Threatened 2017: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22106/0. Taken under USFWS SUP Permit.
    Manatee Prehensile Snout_.tif
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
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