On any given day during this time, it's easy to spot manatees. Kings Bay residents open their doors and see dozens of manatees swimming. Or, they might see them sleeping in shallow waters like lazy dogs curled up on the lawn.


USGS biologist Robert Bonde has


studied Florida manatees for more than 35 years. He calls the manatee “an urbanized wildlife species that lives in our backyard.” Tourists come to swim with, and maybe even touch, the manatees. Yet the manatee is endangered. And as such, many scientists argue that people should stay away from manatees.


A Florida manatee rests on the sandy bottom of a river.


A Florida manatee rests on the sandy bottom of a river


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