Crystal River.
Manatee Refuge on Kings Bay,Fl. Thanksgiving 2007
The West Indian manatee was discovered in the 1500s by Spanish explorers that hunted them for
their meat, hide, and oils. Hunted almost to extinction, Florida banned the hunting of manatees in 1893.
In warmer months manatees spend most of their time at sea and out of harm's way, but from October
to March , the colder weather drives them inland to places where can find warm water. Florida's
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge supports the largest concentration.
their meat, hide, and oils. Hunted almost to extinction, Florida banned the hunting of manatees in 1893.
In warmer months manatees spend most of their time at sea and out of harm's way, but from October
to March , the colder weather drives them inland to places where can find warm water. Florida's
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge supports the largest concentration.
The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a large, gray-brown, aquatic mammal with a
body that tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. It has two flippers with 3 to 4 nails on each, and it's head and
face are wrinkled, with whiskers on the snout. The manatee's closest relatives are the elephant
body that tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. It has two flippers with 3 to 4 nails on each, and it's head and
face are wrinkled, with whiskers on the snout. The manatee's closest relatives are the elephant
The average, adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs about 1000 pounds. They can reach up to
13 feet in length and weigh up to 3,000 pounds.
13 feet in length and weigh up to 3,000 pounds.
* The refuge is comprised of 20 islands and several small parcels of land surrounded by the crystal clear,
spring fed waters of Kings Bay.
* The refuge aids in preserving Florida's most significant naturally occurring warm water refugium for the
manatee and provides critical habitat for approximately 25 percent of the nation's endangered Florida
manatee population.
* Six hundred million gallons of fresh water flow daily from more than 30 natural springs. The temperature
of the water flowing from the springs remains a constant 72° F
spring fed waters of Kings Bay.
* The refuge aids in preserving Florida's most significant naturally occurring warm water refugium for the
manatee and provides critical habitat for approximately 25 percent of the nation's endangered Florida
manatee population.
* Six hundred million gallons of fresh water flow daily from more than 30 natural springs. The temperature
of the water flowing from the springs remains a constant 72° F
Tarah petting a Manatee
Marie on the Pontoon boat
Tito
sneaking
close to a
sleepy
Manatee
sneaking
close to a
sleepy
Manatee
Manatees like the human touch Scott along the Manatee Manatee resting
Scuba Tito
Scuba Josh
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After a couple of hours with the Manatees We wet for
some of the Best Snorkel in the # sister Spring Area. This
is one of the best snorkel experience I had have, The
water was clear and Aqua Pristine. Completely sub-real.
some of the Best Snorkel in the # sister Spring Area. This
is one of the best snorkel experience I had have, The
water was clear and Aqua Pristine. Completely sub-real.
Marie FREE DIVING to the Spring
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