"Baby manatee on the beaches of Florida? Aww! They are so adorable. Let me take a picture hugging it", are the last thoughts you should have in your mind when you spot one. One man from Florida who posted a few pictures of himself hugging a baby manatee which allegedly had cold-stress syndrome, invited trouble doing so after a few wildlife officials pressed charges of harassing the endangered animal species.

"The calf also appeared to be experiencing manatee cold-stress syndrome, a condition that can lead to death in extreme cases," said Dr Thomas Reinert, a manatee biologist with the wildlife commission. "Taking the calf out of the water may have worsened its situation." the wildlife agents said.

Though the man had no such intention and took photos only out of curiosity, it is a federal offence to meddle with the endangered sea cow. After a man tipped the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission of the misdemeanor, Ryan William Waterman was arrested for the same charges punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

The 21 year old was released from the county jail on Monday on $2,500 bond though. He told the TV news stations that he was unaware that touching manatees is illegal. Who said ignorance is bliss?

The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act prohibits molesting, harassing or disturbing manatees, which are classified as endangered in Florida and are also protected by federal laws.

(AW- Anil)