A Florida man is behind bars after taking the expression "getting closer to nature" a bit too literally.
James Roy Massengale Jr., 47, is being held on a $25,000 bond in Monroe County after allegedly touching and trying to ride two adult manatees and their calves, the Bradenton Herald reports.
According to the Herald, witnesses spotted a man in a creek at Islamorada Library Beach, touching the aquatic creatures. The witness reportedly told Massengale that it was illegal to touch manatees, to which he allegedly responded, "I'm riding it!"
Massengale is homeless and refused to cooperate with Monroe County sheriff's deputies, according to the Herald.
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