Florida manatee found with ‘TRUMP’ written on its back

The Center for Biological Diversity said it was offering a $5,000 reward Monday after a manatee in Florida was found with the word “TRUMP” written on its back recently.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity press release, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission began investigating after the manatee was discovered with the letters on its back in the area of the Homosassa River Sunday.

Floridians and visitors were shocked to learn that someone would do this to a manatee. Emily and Joe Baglieri were angry.

“They’re very beautiful peaceful creatures they don’t bother anybody and it’s a shame,” Joe said.

Some people wondered if this was real and how. “It’s probably somebody trying to destroy Trump’s reputation,” said Linda Pickens. But the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that it is real.

According to a statement to WINK News by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, “The manatee does not appear to be seriously injured, as it seems that the word was written in algae on the animal’s back.”

Hailey Warrington, a charter captain with Crystal River Charters, first discovered the manatee. She told WINK News the animal was seen at noon Sunday during a manatee swim tour in shallow water in Homosassa Springs while it was sleeping. Warrington says, after she took pictures and video of the animal, she immediately reported it to USFWS and FWC law enforcement agencies.

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