Federal authorities have opened an investigation into who was responsible for carving TRUMP into the back of a manatee in Florida.
The animal was discovered in Florida's Homosassa River at the weekend after its peculiar markings on its back were identified by boat captain Hailey Warrington
Upon closer inspection is was clear someone had scratched the President's last name.
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Warrington told Fox News: "It was an uncharacteristic thing for us to see. I was surprised when I saw it. It did seem that the animal was very upset."
The news organisation says the slow moving animals usually build up a layer of algae on its skin and it appears the perpetrator etched Trump's name into this layer.
Douglas Nowacek, Repass-Rodgers University Professor of Conservation Technology at Duke University, told Vice News the incident is 'one of the most horrifying things I have ever seen done to a wild animal'.
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The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is now leading the investigation to find who carried out this callous attack.
Craig Cavanna, senior federal wildlife officer and current investigating officer, told the Citrus County Chronicle that he can't comment on an ongoing inquiry.
But he did add: "It's been my experience that this is very out of character for this community. Wildlife conservation is a core value in Citrus County. That's why it's called the Nature Coast."
Cavanna said manatees are protected by the Endangered Species Act and interference in the animal can result in a fine of up to $50,000 fine and/or up to one-year in federal prison.
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Manatees usually head along the Nature Coast around this time of year as they seek sanctuary in the waters along Citrus County's coastline.
Featured Image Credit: PA
