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Craig Cavanna, senior federal wildlife officer and current investigating officer, told
The Chronicle Online that the harassment of a manatee, protected by the Endangered Species Act, is a Class A federal criminal offense punishable by a $50,000 fine and/or one year in federal prison.
Manatees, who are slow-moving and warm-blooded, tend to seek sanctuary in the spring-fed waters along Citrus County s coastline making them accessible to swimmers and boaters, according to
The Chronicle Online It s been my experience that this is very out of character for this community, Cavanna told the outlet of the incident. Wildlife conservation is a core value in Citrus County. That s why it s called the Nature Coast.