FILE: Manatee resting at Three Sisters Springs (Crystal River NWR) while shading over a school of mangrove snappers.
The discovery of a Florida manatee with “Trump” written on its back has prompted an investigation by state and federal wildlife authorities, The New York Times reports.
Fish and Wildlife Service said according to The New York Times.
“It’s a crime to interfere with these creatures, which are protected under multiple federal laws.”State and federal wildlife authorities were investigating after a manatee with “Trump” etched on its back was spotted in Florida on Sunday.
Manatees, which are the unofficial mascot of Florida, are also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states that “it is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.