West Indian Manatee

Big Mama shows her calf the finer points grazing along a bed of waterweeds in the Weeki Wachee River. I didn't look close enough at it to identify whether it's Elodea or Hydrilla, but they sure seem to like it, regardless.I guess if you don't make a big mess and stir up a huge cloud of silt, you're not doing it right.The calf's not paying much attention; it's too busy trying to figure it all out on it's own. Kids these days...Weeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

Titusville, Florida, United States

This massive Weeki Wachee mom has all the telltale scars from too many run ins with boat propellers. Unfortunately, the calf has already got a few marks of it's own.Weeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

While the calf is more concerned with checking us out, mom hardly pays any attention as she browses across the bottom.Hunter Spring ParkCrystal River National Wildlife RefugeCitrus County, FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

It doesn't take very long for this hungry Mama to muck it all up, even in crystal clear water, once she starts chomping. You've got to stay upstream to see anything, and stay out of their way.Florida ManateeTrichechus manatus latirostrisWeeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

I wonder what mom tells the calf? If you eat all your vegetables... you get even more vegetables, for dessert?Weeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

The calf ventures off, occasionally, but for the most part, it sticks close by. Florida ManateeTrichechus manatus latirostrisBlue Springs State ParkOrange City, Volusia County Florida, USA Olympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

This youngster is getting the hang of making a mess while sampling the all you can eat salad bar on the river bottom.Florida ManateeTrichechus manatus latirostrisWeeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

The larger North American mammals..Washington,National Geographic Society,1916..biodiversitylibrary.org/page/38088416

You've got to make a big mess and stir up a huge cloud of silt, if you want to do it right, and this Manatee Mom's an old pro.Florida ManateeTrichechus manatus latirostrisWeeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

Titusville, Florida, United States

Mom has taught this youngster well, and it'll be sporting a thick algae coat and mucking it up with the best of 'em soon enough.Weeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

This calf is more than a little curious and doesn't hesitate to leave mom's side and come right up to the lens. Of course, as a guest in their world, it's up to you to give them plenty of space and make sure you don't interfere.Hunter Spring ParkCrystal River National Wildlife RefugeCitrus County, FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

This young manatee is getting the hang of making a mess while sampling the salad offerings on the river bottom.Florida ManateeTrichechus manatus latirostrisWeeki Wachee RiverHernando County FloridaOlympus OM-D E-M514-42mm II LensPT-EP08 Underwater Housing, PPO-EP01 Lens Port & 14-42mm Zoom Gear

I never got a clear shot when they popped up, but for the most part they sat at the waters surface as the image indicates. pretty cool to see them out there, unfortunately boats were whizzing back and forth. a common threat to this endangered species.

Three young manatee taking shelter from the wind in a small cove. They were very curious about us and weren't afraid to come right up to us and examine us up close and personal. When they weren't enjoying belly rubs (you would too if you were covered with algae) they were munching on the many plants in the water. Don't worry, we were in the water with these guys under the direct watch of a fish and wildlife officer. I didn't include the photo, but one of the individuals had a large healed gash on its tail presumably an injury from a boat prop.

Three young manatee taking shelter from the wind in a small cove. They were very curious about us and weren't afraid to come right up to us and examine us up close and personal. When they weren't enjoying belly rubs (you would too if you were covered with algae) they were munching on the many plants in the water. Don't worry, we were in the water with these guys under the direct watch of a fish and wildlife officer. I didn't include the photo, but one of the individuals had a large healed gash on its tail presumably an injury from a boat prop.

Three young manatee taking shelter from the wind in a small cove. They were very curious about us and weren't afraid to come right up to us and examine us up close and personal. When they weren't enjoying belly rubs (you would too if you were covered with algae) they were munching on the many plants in the water. Don't worry, we were in the water with these guys under the direct watch of a fish and wildlife officer. I didn't include the photo, but one of the individuals had a large healed gash on its tail presumably an injury from a boat prop.

Manatees! This guy showed up while we were scuba diving in Crystal River, Florida. After a quick belly rub she was on her way. These massive creatures are pretty typical for Floridian waters, but we were lucky enough the see many in one day!