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. Stone was arrested in march of 2021 for harassing wildlife after people reported his videos showing him touching manatees. i was originally facing a felony charge, stone explained. The effects on society and economy the felony of manatee mishandling a crime that will haunt you the site has had a major effect on both the economic landscape and social fabric. By giving a platform for people to trade items and offer their skills, craigslist has supported entrepreneurs and startups. The platform has also been instrumental in. Can you get fined for touching a manatee? The florida manatee sanctuary act of 1978 prevents people from annoying, harassing, or disturbing any manatee. This means if you even touch a manatee, you could face fines and even some jail time. Is it illegal if a manatee touches you? They can touch you, but you can't touch them as a protected species. No it is against the law to touch, feed, chase, give water to manatees. If a manatee approaches you it's advised to avoid contact. Can i be arrested for touching a manatee? 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. 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. I saw a video of someone petting a manatee there and wanted to know what the laws are regarding manatees because in the states where i live, its illegal to touch them. I did try to get an answer from google, but where i live in the states it’s. 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. The endangered species act forbids touching a manatee unless it touches you first, and they will let you know. Two hands are illegal. The rules are strict in homosassa, and the protection of the resident manatees is taken very seriously.