Manatee found with ‘Trump’ scraped on its back

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating after it got reports of a manatee with “Trump” carved into its back.

The manatee was spotted near Blue Hole on the Homosassa River, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.

READ: Manatee grazes on Florida lawn during Tropical Storm Eta

Experts said it does not appear that the manatee was seriously injured and that the writing was seen in algae on the animal’s back.

The USFWS said it is aware of the incident and working closely with Florida wildlife officials to investigate the incident.

Manatees are protected by both the the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

READ: Rescue team releases rehabilitated manatee in Daytona Beach

It is a federal crime to interfere with or harass the creatures.

Anyone found guilty of violating the act can be fined up to $50,000 and/or sentenced to one year in federal prison.

READ: ‘Aggressive’ alligator stops traffic on Florida road

Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to call 844-397-8477 or email FWS_TIPS@FWS.GOV.

Manatee grazes on Florida lawn during Tropical Storm Eta (NCD)

WFTV