Over 300 manatees close down Three Sisters Springs

Three Sisters Springs in Florida had to close a one acre plot of water to swimming and kayaking on Monday when over 300 manatees rapidly moved into the springs at an unexpected rate.

The area reopened Tuesday, but will close again when the tide begins to rise and the manatees return to the interior area of the springs, Laura Ruettiman, an environmental education guide at the Springs told USA TODAY Network.

Manatees congregate in the area during high tide and cold weather, Ruettiman said.

During a manatee count conducted by the manatee watch volunteers on Monday, a total of 293 manatees had moved into the interior of the springs by 1:00 p.m.

By 1:30 p.m. the manatee count in the interior of the springs had surpassed 300 total manatees and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife issued the temporary closure of Three Sisters Springs. All of the viewing or swimming around the proximity remains open during the closures.

"We have a record number this year," Ruettiman said. "We have 150 more manatees here than have ever been recorded in the past."

The high numbers may be a result of greater protection in the area and because habitat areas in other parts of the state are being lost, according to Ruettiman.

Photos: A closer look at Florida manatees