Herd Of Manatees Greets Boaters In Florida (VIDEO)

WATCH: Just A Herd Of Manatees Passing Through

Who knew manatees were so friendly?

In a striking video captured by a 19-year-old in Florida, a herd of manatees ambles up and swims along the shoreline of Three Rooker Island. The sea cows swim directly under a boat before gliding toward a group of boaters near the beach.

The teen who filmed the herd of 16 manatees, Sydney Griswold of Largo, described the passing herd as "breathtaking."

Manatees can often be spotted in Florida; however the marine mammals have become more scarce in recent years. In 2013, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recorded 803 manatee deaths -- about 16 percent of the state's estimated population of 5,000. Last year's toll surpassed the previous record of 766 deaths documented in 2010.

Florida manatees are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Before You Go

Margarito

Save the Manatee Club Adoptees

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot