A mob of about 300 manatees forced the closure of Florida’s Three Sisters Springs.


A mob of about 300 manatees forced the temporary closure of Florida’s Three Sisters Springs.

The aquatic mammals started showing up at the Citrus County natural attraction around noon on Monday.

By 1 o’clock most of them had arrived, with a few stragglers showing up throughout the following half an hour.

Once the count exceeded the 300 mark, the US Fish and Wildlife service shut the area down to swimmers and kayakers.

That manatees group there isn’t unusual, but a record number have been showing up lately.

The animals often head for the springs when the weather is on the cooler side as the natural pools tend to stay at a comfortable 72 degrees.

They’re considered one of the park’s main attractions and taking a dip with the gentle sea creatures is a popular activity.

Even though people couldn’t dive in and mingle with the manatees this time around, the park did keep its observation areas a