Florida Manatee Trip January 14-17, 2005

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This 'tee is deep in thought. Oh wait, that's right...they DO have a defense mechanism: they blow bubbles when scared. Yeah, I'm thinking that might not strike fear into the heart of an oncoming predator.	Mike paddling around.	Freestyle. The nearby hot springs keep the water in the low-70's at this point in the river, which is why the manateees come up from the Gulf.	Sea cow.
Jennifer D. (formerly L.).	Moooooooooooooo	For the most part, though, they were very social. There was one particular baby that was very playful. There was a line of buoys beyond which people are not allowed to swim. This allows the manatees to get away from people, if they want.	After being subdued, time to hog-tie the manatee. Oh, I'm just kidding. They like to play with the rope.