I was snorkeling off Key West, came up for air, and saw a manatee staring at me from about 10 yards away. Of course I knew they were harmless, but the first thing my brain registered was BIG ANIMAL! CLOSE BY! Then realizing what it was I slowly paddeled toward it, but it rapidly swam away. They are not too common in those waters.
Respect,
Col. Andy & "Wildcat" Pam