Thoughts on the Manatee Rider

This week in Florida, a woman rode a manatee at Fort De Soto to the shock of many.

When the story went up on our Patch sites, it gathered a lot of discussion in the comments on a whole variety of issues.

Whether it was about manatee awareness or if the police's efforts were misfocused, our users let their opinions be known.

Trace Taylor wrote, Mantees are protected and so should be protected! Period. They are not there for our personal abuse and amusement. Period! 

Michael D wrote, Was the lady intentionally hurting or even hurting the Mantee? No. Then no harm no foul. What she did was illegal? yes. But so is Speeding. Maybe we should go after real animal and people abusers first.

DeElizabethan wrote, A picture is worth a thousand words. I'm just happy someone took it. Hopefully she will be shamed, learn a lesson, fined or all three.

Rider wrote, Did her ride hurt the manatee? Most likely not, manatees are strong animals, very strong. There should be outrage continuously at the boaters who break the law and speed in manatee zones and maim or kill these gentle giants.

What are your thoughts on the whole manatee ride? Let us know in the comments!