Posted on 12/15/2007 12:55:38 PM PST by Graybeard58
TALAHASSEE, FL - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has delayed voting on removing the manatee from the endangered species list until it reviews classification criteria. According to field data, the animal's population has recovered to the point where the species no longer faces the risk of imminent extinction. The Commission will discuss options, including limited hunting, in an effort to control the manatee's protected status.
"It's a real catch-22." said Jeremy Keller, Commission Board Member. "We've spent so many years protecting this animal - it may seem strange that we are talking about hunting them. But if we lose the control we have under the protective status, things could be worse."
Officials say the limited hunt would be licensed with steep fees to fund further conservation efforts, and may spur new business. "Alligator skins have become very popular in the boot-making industry, manatee skins may spark a new trend." said Keller. "Manatee steaks may turn out to be quite tasty, and become a delicacy as well." he added.
Some outdoor enthusiasts doubt that a manatee hunt will draw enough hunters interested enough to pay an exorbitant fee. "I don't see where there would be much sport in it." said Billy Seward, owner of The Buck Stops Here outdoor supply warehouse. "It couldn't put up much of a chase - it'd be like hunting a cow. But I suppose some boaters might sign up for a little payback, those things have ruined thousands of perfectly good outboard motors over the years."
Oh, the huge manatee!!
I’ll have the Filet of Manatee with a sideorder of Whooping Crane Fritters.
Your attention urgently required.
I’d give it a try. Nicely grilled, little salt and pepper with a loaded baked potato on the side. Yum, Yum.
Who would want to hunt a Manatee?
Might as well hunt Panda or Koala Bears too.
Would have thought it taste like chicken.
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