Manatee Moments Caught on GoPro

Photo credit: MiamiCBSlocal.com via Cugno’s GoPro Video

Lately, we’ve had the pleasure of reporting on rising population counts for Florida-native manatees. We’ve also reported on how this increase (and a manatee’s overall laid back and casual attitude) has sprung controversy about whether or not humans should be allowed to interact with the gentle giants.

But what happens when you’re out kayaking and a large sea cow swims right up to you?

You enjoy that moment with a manatee is what you do!

About two weeks ago, one lucky Floridian, who just happened to have his GoPro on him, was able to spend about five minutes with a curious manatee and caught the whole encounter on video.

Video credit: MiamiCBSlocal.com via Cugno’s GoPro Video

Michael Cugno is a volunteer park ranger at Biscayne National Park in southern Florida. He primarily gives kayak tours to visiting guests.

It just so happens that he was out on his own kayaking adventure outside of Homestead Bayfront Park when he spotted a manatee swimming casually towards him. Mr. Cugno estimated that the sea cow was between seven and eight feet long and weighing 600 to 800 pounds!

You can see in the video that the manatee wasn’t afraid of Mr. Cugno nor his kayak as it idly swam around the fascinated spectator for about five minutes before regressing into the cloudy bay water.

For more information on Mr. Cugno and his manatee encounter, please check out MiamiCBSlocal.com.