Drivers Get a Glimpse at Manatee Orgy

About a dozen manatees put on quite a wet and wild show for onlookers on the river

Scientists call it an act of nature. But onlookers near the St. John River in north Florida got more than an eye full when about a dozen manatees put on an X-rated display on Monday.

You see, it's mating season for the docile and gentle sea mammals, and when nature calls, they go at it. One female is pursued by about a dozen or so males, all with one-track minds. Remind you of another species?

The creatures take their show to shallow waters and all the splashing and commotion gave some eyewitnesses the idea that the manatees were in distress. Traffic slowed and passersby called wildlife officials for help.

But distress is the last word the manatees would probably use. Call it manatee ecstasy. Scientists call it pec walking (manatee ecstasy sounds better).

Expect to catch similar manatee orgies throughout the state for the next few months. Just remember to cover your kids' eyes.

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