Manatees swim near a federal sanctuary in Crystal River, Florida. Blue paint on the manatee at left is from an apparent encounter with the bottom of a boat. West Indian manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals that are concentrated in Florida waters during winter months. Adults weigh an average of 1,000 pounds and span an average of 12 feet in length. At least 3,000 manatees are concentrated in Florida waters.
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