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Mating rituals

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JEFF SCOZZAFAVA
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JEFF SCOZZAFAVA
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JEFF SCOZZAFAVA
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JEFF SCOZZAFAVA
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JEFF SCOZZAFAVA

Jeff Scozzafava, of Hillsborough, New Jersey, spotted a mating herd of manatees today at about 7:45 a.m. near the Sanibel Lighthouse. He explained that he was using an FAA registered DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone that he had launched between the pier and lighthouse in an effort to video the lighthouse in the early morning light. Aware it is illegal to interact and harass manatees in the wild, Scozzafava kept the drone at least 100 feet above the herd while making a few passes. He noted that it is the first time he has seen an event like it, calling it amazing. Scozzafava, his wife Fran and their family are spending their annual summer week on the island.