Woman Rides Manatee, Arrested

The Florida woman who was photographed riding a manatee in late September has been arrested on Saturday on a misdemeanor warrant, authorities said.

Woman Rides Manatee, Arrested

Fifty-three-year-old Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez of St. Petersburg has been held by the police for violating the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, which "declares it unlawful for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner to intentionally or negligently annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee."

On September 30th, 2012, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office received reports that an unknown female had been seen touching and riding a manatee at Fort Desoto Park, near Tampa Bay.

Following media coverage in an attempt to identify the woman, Gutierrez called the office to turn herself in on October 2nd.

Gutierrez admitted to the offense claiming she is new to the area and did not realize it was against the law to touch or harass manatees.

The Associated Press reported that the woman was released on $1,500 bail.

Manatees are classified as "endangered" by both the state and the federal governments. The maximum penalty for violating the state law consists of a $500 fine and 6-month imprisonment.