You Won T Believe What Happens If You Touch A Manatee - db01

Don't get in the way of manatee research or rescue activities.

The rules are strict in homosassa, and the protection of the resident manatees is taken very seriously.

It is illegal to touch, feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy or molest manatees.

If you see manatees while swimming, diving, or boating, please follow these suggestions:

No it is against the law to touch, feed, chase, give water to manatees.

If a manatee approaches you it's advised to avoid contact.

What will i be charged with if i touch a manatee?

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Why can’t manatees adapt well to cold water?

Do not enter designated manatee sanctuaries for any reason.

Look, but don't touch.

Two hands are illegal.

Don't interact with a belted or tagged manatee or touch any equipment attached to a manatee.

It's a 500$ fine and or 6 months in jail.

The endangered species act forbids touching a manatee unless it touches you first, and they will let you know.

“look, but don’t touch” — observe manatees from the surface of the water and at a distance.

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Avoid excessive noise and splashing.

Interacting with manatees, including touching them, can alter their natural behaviors.

It is legal to touch them with one (1) hand if the manatee approaches and initiates the touch, aka, comes and brushes against you for attention first.

Such interactions can make manatees lose their natural fear of humans and boats, increasing the risk of boat collisions.

It’s a very specific law.

The marine mammal protection act of 1972 and the endangered species act of 1973 both make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal, including manatees.

Touching a manatee is punishable under the manatee sanctuary act, with a fine of up to $500 and/or a jail term of up to 60 days.

You won't get penalized if a manatee touches you and it's highly unlikely it will hurt you, but you should move away from it as soon and as carefully as you can.

What happens if you touch a manatee?