Manatees are beautiful, gentle creatures and are protected by law.
So it's totally illegal to touch them, let alone ride them.
But that's exactly what happened on the north side of Siesta Key in Florida.
This isn't the first time someone has tried to ride a manatee either.
Not only is it bad for the manatees and dangerous for people, it's illegal too!
You can be fined $500 or even spend 60 days in jail!!
So if you're in Florida and you see manatees, make sure not to disturb them by staying at least 100 feet away!
Check out the video (above) to see some cruel people riding a manatee.
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Oh no! Poor manatees!
Off both of Florida's coasts almost 200 manatees have died due to a red tide!
A red tide is a bloom of algae where microorganisms build up and stain the ocean red, releasing toxins.
These toxins are harmful to fish, manatees and even people.
They attack the nervous system, causing short-term memory loss, paralysis, seizures and then death!!!
A marine mammal biologist said:
Hey…everyone wants to go to Florida…even the manatees!
Floridians have been warned about increased manatee activity due to the mammals swimming to warmer waters.
How many manatees have swam to Florida waters?
Ride the walrus!
Unfortunately, in Florida, it's illegal to ride manatees and one resident is about the learn that the hard way.
Pinellas County sheriffs are on the hunt for a woman who thought it would be cool to ride a manatee while on the beach.
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We're so glad to that he's all right!
Check out the video (above) to hear all about Lil Joe the manatee's rescue!
The craziest part about all of this?
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What?…it's just Manatee Spring Break! Who doesn't know that?!
LOLz!
Craig Hossack and other Fort Lauderdale beach goers were surprised by a group of friendly manatees that paid them a visit.
The manatees swam between the stunned beachers, but many
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Way to go, Friends of the Manatee (btdubs…perfect name for the occasion!)
The conservation group rescued a baby manatee near the body of his mother in the Amazon.
Caretakers are taking care of the baybay, keeping him healthy and preparing to
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