Pete beach, fl — a pittsburgh man was arrested last week after allegedly molesting a plastic manatee outside of a bar and then throwing gator nuggets into the tavern's dining area. Pinellas county sheriff's deputies were not amused and announced that they were on the lookout for the manatee molester. It is illegal to touch, feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy or molest manatees. 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. You might be keen to see one of the adorable manatees that lives in florida, but tourists need to follow this rule to avoid fines. If you see someone harassing a manatee and it is safe to do so, document the activity by taking photos or video. An individual aboard a boat pokes a manatee. Any action that could cause harm to a manatee or alter its natural behavior—such as this one—is harassment, and it. Do not pursue or chase a manatee if you see one while you are swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling or operating a boat. Never poke, prod or stab a manatee with your hands, feet or any object. If a manatee avoids you, do not chase the animal. Manatees are protected under several laws, including the marine mammal protection act of 1972 and the endangered species act of 1973, which make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal, including manatees. Begin manatee molestation a felonious faux pas you should avoid an manatee molestation a felonious faux pas you should avoid exciting journey through a extensive manatee molestation a felonious faux pas you should avoid world of manga on our website! Enjoy the manatee molestation a felonious faux pas you should avoid latest. The cases themselves prove state and federal wildlife officers are going after people who endanger this rare species, which numbers just 7,500 in florida, and 13,000 worldwide. You will not be arrested if a manatee brushes up against you. But practically anything you might want to do to a manatee is illegal. Ask ryan william waterman, who was arrested in 2013.