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. While it may be appealing to see wildlife up close this way, approaching a manatee could result in a heavy fine and even time in jail. Also known as sea cows, manatees are docile animals who eat only seagrass and love to doze on their backs on the ocean floor. Guidelines for viewing manatees. The west indian manatee is an imperiled species and is protected by state and federal law (see below). Please avoid harassing or disturbing manatees whenever you discover that manatees are in the water near you. Harassment is defined as any activity that alters the animal's natural behavior. Depending on how much you bother a manatee, like one instance where of one of these animals, you could face a fine of up to $50,000 and a full year in jail. So, if you see a manatee in the wild. Report collisions with manatees you will not be cited if you accidently collide with a manatee while obeying posted speed zone restrictions. Please report any vessel collisions with manatees as soon as possible to increase the manatee’s chance of survival. Tips for paddlers or refuge area boundaries as manatees frequent thes What lies ahead for touch a manatee go to jail the legal consequences you need to know as the digital landscape continues to evolve, this site must adapt to stay current. To tackle the challenges posed by its rivals and shifting demands, craigslist may need to focus on new features and tools. This could entail enhancing the search features. Can you legally touch a manatee? Can i be arrested for touching a manatee? You will not be arrested if a manatee brushes up against you. Those who violate state laws protecting manatees face fines of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 60 days, while those who violate federal protection laws face fines of up to $100,000 and/or 1 year in prison. This paper reviews the past and present laws protecting manatees in florida, chronicles the impacts manatees are facing presently and in the future, and details the increasing need for the application of protection from a management standpoint. Touching a manatee can get you in trouble with the law. Learn why manatees are protected, what are the legal consequences of manatee contact, and how to enjoy these animals without harming them or breaking the law.
