Manatee

From time to time a manatee wanders into the harbor and marina area at Sunshine Key and there is usually a lot of people that come down and look at them. They are beautiful gentle creatures in their own way and big! We have been told they weigh as much as 1,000#.
Were not sure what exactly would draw them into the marina but they do love fresh water and will drink from a hose as this one above is doing. It is however illegal to feed them or water them.

These kids were just in awe as we all were and were thrilled to be able to "pet" it.You can see where this one has been hit or scraped on the head from I assume a boat that hit itThis picture shows its tail that has been sliced off presumably from a speeding boat.

During the winter each year there are "Manatee areas" that are protected that are essentially a no wake area for boats. Hopefully, that will prevent things like this tail slice from happening.
After spending the afternoon in the harbor the Manatee left and hasn't been back. Hard to figure where it would go although the waters around here are nice and warm which it probably likes.