A federal investigation has officially been launched by the authorities in the United States of America after a manatee was found with a “Trump” carving on its back in the state of Florida.
The animal that we are talking about was found in the Homasassa River at the weekend.
The markings were identified by Boat Captain Hailey Warrington.
Upon inspecting closer, the captain said that there was a clear carving that said “Trump” on the back of the manatee.
During an interview with Fox News, Captain Warrington said:
It was an uncharacteristic thing for us to see. I was surprised when I saw it. It did seem that the animal was very upset.
Douglas Nowacek, Repass-Rodgers University Professor of Conservation Technology at Duke University, talked with Vice News and they said that this incident is one of the most horrifying things that they have ever seen happening to a wild animal in the country.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is now carrying out an investigation to find who carried out this callous attack.
Craig Cavanna, a senior wildlife officer and an investigating officer of the case, said that they could not comment on the incident.
They added:
It’s been my experience that this is very out of character for this community. Wildlife conservation is a core value in Citrus County. That’s why it’s called the Nature Coast.
Manatees are protected by the law of the USA and anyone that harms them could face up to $50,000 in fine or up to 1 year in federal prison.
