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| Deep Dent, a
medium-sized adult, first appeared at the spring in the
winter of 1979. Researchers are not certain where he had
previously been spending his winters. Perhaps he just
wanted a change of scenery! He "sat out" the
winter of 1982-83 but returned in 1983-84, so perhaps he
just likes to travel around. He didn't show up again in
1984-85, but reappeared in the season of 1985-86. Since
that time, Deep Dent has been a season
"regular" at Blue Spring State Park Deep Dent's
behavior is not unusual. Individual manatees often return
to the same wintering areas year after year, bur it's not
uncommon for manatees to take a year off and travel to
see new sights. Deep Dent is easily spotted by the deep
"dent-like" propeller wound in his tail and
extensive scarring on his back. 1996-1997: Deep Dent was a Thanksgiving visitor this year, making his first appearance for the season on November 28, 1997. This was not Deep Dent's year. On January 19, Ranger Wayne noticed he had a new boat strike on his left side that included a skeg mark and 11 prop cuts. He thought it was a minor strike, but as it healed, Ranger Wayne could see it was worse than he had originally thought. Luckily it wasn't life threatening, and he now appears to be doing okay. Deep Dent made 27 appearances this year. This was a great showing for Deep Dent second only to his record 29 visits made in the 1987-88 season. Ranger Wayne noticed he was in often and was easy with the canoe -- not normal behavior for him. On February 17, Deep Dent left for the summer in the company of 13 other manatees. 1995-1996: The manatee season at Blue Spring State Park this year ran from November 12, 1995 to March 26, 1996. Ranger Wayne said the best part of the season was having all the adoptees show up early in November, so he didn't have to worry about anyone. Deep Dent was "fashionably late," coming in on November 23 in the company of fellow adoptees Lenny, Shane, Success, and Troy. Deep Dent and Floyd left on March 13. Deep Dent was seen 20 times and was more comfortable with the canoe this year than in past seasons. He had a huge fungus growing out of his tail when he was last seen, but no new injuries to speak of. Ranger Wayne says it will be interesting to see if the "deep dents" in his tail look different next season because of the fungus. 1994-1995: Deep Dent was one of the late arrivals at the park this winter. In fact, he didn't come in until December 15. Not only that, but he only stayed through February 9th! However, he still managed to make roll call 25 times. The best news is that Deep Dent had no new injuries or scars this season. 1993-1994: Deep Dent made his first visit to Blue Spring State Park this season on November I'I. Ranger Wayne reported that he is unchanged. The weather was so cold that Deep Dent was in frequently. Ranger Wayne said he even stays put when the canoe goes by, but he doesn't seem to like it! Deep Dent was the first manatee out of the park again when the season ended. He left on February 5, after 19 visits. There was another cold front which peaked on March 4, and most of the adoptive manatees came back to the park to bask in the spring waters, but Deep Dent must have found another warm water source because he didn't stop in. 1992-1993: Deep Dent came in on November 30 in the company of other adoptees Brutus, Philip, Lenny, Luna, Nick and Troy. It was a regular manatee party! He looks good. Deep Dent had the distinction of being the first to leave, and the animal with the fewest visits. He was in only 16 times between November 30 and February 27. 1991-1992: Deep Dent came in on Armistice Day (November Il, 1991) with a crowd that included Dec, Lucille, Robin, Lenny and others. He is staying longer now and not hiding himself under the trees like he used to. He didn't even let the canoe bother him very much. Deep Dent headed out on February 12, after 26 visits. 1990-1991: The official season at Blue Spring got underway on November 13, 1990 and ended on March 21, 1991. Deep Dent arrived on December 6 with Merlin, Robin, Troy and Tithonus. He looked good for all of his 17 roll calls (morning nose counts) and made an early departure on February 19. 1989-1990: Nineteen seems to be the magic number for Deep Dent again this year. That's how many times he made appearances for roll call. He came in with Margarito on November 19 and left with him on January 15. 1988-1989: Because of the mild winter, many of the manatees who frequent Blue Spring were not observed as often as in past years. Deep Dent appeared to have no new scars and looked healthy. He stayed away during three of the cold snaps. His final roll call tally was 19 and he departed the area on March 13. 1987-1988: Deep Dent was calmer this year but is still a loner, although he was spotted in an estrus herd (a mating herd). He left on March 2 after making 29 appearances. He seemed to be in good shape. 1986-1987: Deep Dent came in this season on December 15 looking good. He made 22 appearances and left early on February 25. 1985-1986: Deep Dent appeared on December 8 and left on January 31, having appeared 19 times. He seemed to be doing well. |
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