Every so often we come across stories where humans disturb, harass or even injure or kill wildlife for the sake of their own “fun”.
Bringing such stories out to the public helps shine light on such cases and hopefully educate people that abusing wildlife for our “fun” is just not okay!
The staff at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has stumbled upon a drone video capturing a man on a boat harassing a group of manatees.
The manatees, who are federally protected sea creatures, were simply relaxing underwater before they were disturbed and poked by the unidentified man.
The manatees panicking and fleeing.
Source: See Through Canoe/YouTube
The released video shows the red jacket-clad boatman poking a manatee with a long pole. His friend can also be seen disturbing another manatee.
Soon, the manatees twitch in pain and scatter away in fear. The boatman looks visibly pleased, as he high-fives his friend and laughs.
Investigators have confirmed that the incident occurred in the Tampa Bay area. They believe that it happened somewhere near the Gandy Bridge on the Weedon Island side in Pinellas County, Florida.
The manatees panicking and fleeing.
Source: See Through Canoe/YouTube
Meanwhile, the authorities have reminded people that manatees are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Any person caught “annoying, molesting, harassing or disturbing” any manatee, whether intentionally or negligently, can face up to $50,000 in fines and a year in prison.
The boatman high fiving his friend after harassing the manatee.
Source: See Through Canoe/YouTube
Manatees are also protected under the state law called the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. Under this law, the culprits can face up to $500 in fines and 60 days of jail time.
The boatman spots the drone camera that caught his act.
Source: See Through Canoe/YouTube
As the manatees in this video dispersed after the attack, it is unknown whether any of them were critically hurt. Authorities are still trying to identify the abuser.
Tips related to this crime or any other violation can be dropped at 888-404-FWCC. Spread the word!
Click the video below to watch how the man poked the manatee and caused them to panic and flee.
Please ‘SHARE' to pass on this story to a friend or family member
