ABC Action News: Manatees crowd refuge at Three Sisters Springs
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - Seasonal visitors have arrived at one of their favorite watering holes in Citrus County. But it's because they need this particular hole in order to survive.
A federal biologist recently counted more than 450 manatees in the Kings Bay area of the county, including a record 212 manatee inside Three Sisters Springs.
Saturday, the US Fish and Wildlife Service will host an open house where visitors can see the manatees in their warmer habitat, free from human intervention.
When the temperature drops, manatees find shelter in warmer water as they are susceptible to illness caused by cold air. They tend to congregate where the air is warm. Three Sisters remains at a constant temperature, offering an ideal setting for a manatee get together.
Those who do not venture out in snorkel gear can get an up close look at the sea cows Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Since improvements to the road and parking are not complete, free shuttles will be provided from the southeast corner of the Kings Bay Shopping Plaza off of US Highway 19 in Crystal River.
Informational booths will be set up along the way. Distance from the shuttle drop off to the springs is a short 40 yards but the terrain is rough.
There are accommodations for mobility impaired people to drive to the site. No fishing or swimming is allowed at the springs at this time. Swimmers are restricted to the area outside of the spring's head which is clearly marked.
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