MAN AND MANATEE: A HAVEN FOR BOTH

At the Three Sisters Springs near Crystal River in Citrus County, Florida, water temperatures remain a consistent 72F (22C). Here, the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, finds a well known wintering haven in the tepid waters of the natural spring

At Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in the cold season, the tourists are there by the dozens on any given day. At an arm’s reach away, human visitors encounter one of nature’s most placid species. Some of the inquisitive animals do not mind. Some of the overzealous tourists get too close. Man and manatee co-exist here and the tale has the promise of success, pending sound conservation decisions and a decrease in the threats that continue to reduce manatee numbers around the state of Florida.

Keywords: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge; Florida; manatee; USA