Fla. Men To Be Charged For Manatee Cannonball Video
COCOA BEACH (CBSMiami) – Two Florida men could face big legal problems after old video posted online shows one of them jumping on top of a manatee and her calf.
The video was taken about a year ago, but according to the Orlando Sentinel, surfaced on Facebook and YouTube on Monday.
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have launched an investigation and intend to file federal charges against the men.
The video, recorded in a residential Cocoa Beach neighborhood in Brevard County, shows one of the men doing a cannonball jump onto the sea cow and her calf.
Two of the friends used fresh water from a hose to lure the gentle sea cows closer to the dock.
Officers have identified the men in the video and say they could face federal charges for harassing the endangered mammals.
The charges are expected to be filed later this week and if convicted, each of the men could serve a year-long jail sentence and have to pay up to $50,000 in fines.
If you suspect a wildlife law violation, report it to the FWC at 888-404-3922 or email tip@myfwc.com.
