Today, a wide range of threats have made the manatees of the United States' southeastern coast an endangered species. With eloquent photographs by Karen Glaser and informative text, Mysterious Manatees increases both our understanding and regard for the manatee, both critical to its survival. Only about 2,200 members of the Florida manatee subspecies remain. As the South's shallow coastal waterways see more development and tourism, the manatees lose their habitat. Pollution and deforestation damage the areas where manatees feed.
Careless divers frighten manatees away from protected areas and into more dangerous waters.
The good news is that in protected areas such as Crystal River, Florida, the manatee population is growing. Photographer Karen Glaser swims with and photographs Florida manatees during their winter gathering in these warm waters of the Florida's Gulf Coast. Though her concern for the manatee inspires her work today, Glaser admits that her initial attraction to them was visual. Having a rotund manatee swim by me is like being passed by a zeppelin. Karen Glaser's photographs offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of these gentle giants.