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Trichechus manatus latirostris
Typically, manatees do not live in such close quarters as this. However, in the winter when it is cold, they all come in to keep warm in the springs. This year was a record year for manatees in our area, which you can read about in my references to the right. The power plant warms the water around Crystal River, which attracts the manatees, then the manatees find the springs here and camp out until the weather gets warmer. When their numbers get very high, the springs are closed to people. During the rest of the year, we see them in the rivers around here, though usually only one or two at a time and not as many near the springs.
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River.
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