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Video: Manatees flood into Three Sisters Springs, close water access to vistors

 
On Kings Bay in Crystal River, Citrus County (arguably the manatee tour capital of the world) two manatees lounge in their winter escape. Kings Bay is Crystal River's headwater, or point of origin, and is fed by 28 springs in the bay that produce a constant temperature of 72 degrees all year round attracting and providing a habitat for hundreds of manatees during the winter months looking to escape the cold water of the Gulf of Mexico. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]
On Kings Bay in Crystal River, Citrus County (arguably the manatee tour capital of the world) two manatees lounge in their winter escape. Kings Bay is Crystal River's headwater, or point of origin, and is fed by 28 springs in the bay that produce a constant temperature of 72 degrees all year round attracting and providing a habitat for hundreds of manatees during the winter months looking to escape the cold water of the Gulf of Mexico. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]
Published Feb. 10, 2016

CRYSTAL RIVER — Hey, make some more room in the hot tub, er... river.

A recent influx of manatees into Crystal River has led to the closing of water access to Three Sisters Springs. Around 300 basking sea cows could be seen in various inlets on Tuesday morning, soaking in the year-round, 72 degree water that the spring offers.

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge complex says that the closing could last through Tuesday.

Video of manatees outside Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River Florida this morning. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates about 300 manatees were using the spring as a warm water shelter this morning.Posted by Citrus County, Florida :: The Water Lover's Florida on Monday, February 8, 2016

Video of manatees outside Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River Florida this morning. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates about 300 manatees were using the spring as a warm water shelter this morning.