Manatee found in Florida river with ‘Trump’ etched on its back, US wildlife officials begin inquiry

Wildlife authorities in the United States have launched an inquiry after a manatee was discovered with the word “Trump” etched on its back, reported BBC on Tuesday. The mammal was spotted on Sunday in the Homosassa River in Florida with the American president’s last name scribbled on its body.

Visuals of the animal was first shared by local newspaper Citrus County Chronicle, and have gone viral on social media. The West Indian manatee is a species categorised as “threatened” under the US wildlife protection laws, according to Reuters. The mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.