Manatees in a Spring Run

Manatees in a Spring Run is an original illustration set in Crystal River, Florida, USA. It lies in the subtropics, where the climate is humid subtropical — hot summers, no dry season.

Several grey manatees drift just below transparent turquoise water in a broad spring run, their rounded backs visible between pale limestone patches and ribbons of eelgrass. Bald cypress and cabbage palms line the banks, light mist hangs over the warmer water, and the wider coastal river beyond appears darker and cooler.

Why do manatees gather in a clear spring during cool weather?

Because Florida manatees lose heat rapidly in cold water, they seek springs that remain near a stable warm temperature when winter cools surrounding rivers and the Gulf. Clear groundwater rising through limestone creates the bright blue refuge, while slow current and submerged vegetation offer calm resting space. The seasonal gathering, subtropical bank plants, and spring-fed clarity therefore form a connected Crystal River clue.

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