In a troubling incident, a manatee in a Florida river was observed with the word “TRUMP” etched onto its side, prompting an official investigation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched a search for information after the manatee was spotted swimming in the Homosassa River, Citrus County, with the word displayed prominently. Fortunately, it seems the marking may have been made on algae rather than carved into the animal’s skin, and the manatee appears unharmed.
This act of vandalism is more than just a bizarre political statement; it constitutes a “cruel and illegal mutilation” of a protected species, which can lead to serious legal repercussions including a fine of $50,000 and up to one year in prison. The Center for Biological Diversity is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in this case.
Elizabeth Silver, a wildlife advocate, expressed her disgust, stating, “It’s appalling that someone would harm a defenseless animal to convey a political message.” Manatees are categorized as a threatened species, having been removed from the endangered list in 2017 due to population increases. These slow-moving creatures are particularly vulnerable to human actions, including boat collisions and fishing gear entanglements.
Jaclyn Lopez of the Center for Biological Diversity emphasized the need to protect these fragile animals, saying, “Manatees aren’t billboards, and any interference with them is a crime under federal law.” The manatee was first documented by a fishing charter captain, Sam Thompson, who reported the incident to authorities.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is urged to reach out to the appropriate channels. It’s crucial to protect wildlife from unnecessary harm and ensure that such acts do not go unpunished.
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Summary:
A manatee in Florida was seen with the word “TRUMP” marked on its side, leading to an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This act is a federal crime, and a reward is being offered for information on the perpetrator. Wildlife advocates are outraged by the incident, emphasizing the need to protect these vulnerable creatures.
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