Manatees Three Sisters Springs - A famous Florida spring renowned for its clear blue waters has been temporarily closed after hundreds of manatees gathered at the bottom of the warm waterway.
Reports indicate that the manatees started thronging into the The Three Sisters Spring, which is located near Tampa, on Monday. The Southwest Florida Water Management District, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex had temporarily closed parts of the spring on Monday and Tuesday. But as the population of manatees in the area continued to grow, authorities extended the closure of the waterway on Wednesday.
Experts are said to be monitoring the tides at the spring and the number of manatees present. Officials say the closure of the Three Sisters Springs will be extended if necessary.
Although manatees are known to gather at several warm springs in Florida during the winter months, experts say the number of manatees at the Three Sisters Springs this year is unprecedented.
Laura Ruettiman, who works at the Springs, told USA Today the large number of manatees at the waterway this year may be due to the fact that similar habitats in other parts of the state are not conducive anymore.
Experts say the springs in Kings Bay, which are renowned to have a temperature of 72 degree Fahrenheit, are essential for the protection of the cute West Indian manatee.
According to Florida Springs, the springs in the bay have been designated as Manatee Sanctuaries, and are closed to the public between Nov. and Mar. (the winter months). They are said to provide crucial shelter for the manatees when the open waters would be too frigid for them to survive.
While the Three Sisters Springs is currently closed to swimming and kayaking, visitors can catch stunning views of the huddling manatees.
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