Ana Gutierrez says she had no idea her actions were against the law

Oct 8, 2012 13:09 GMT  ·  By

Only recently, one woman named Ana Gutierrez decided that the best way to have some fun in the waters off Florida's coast was to find a manatee, climb on its back and allow it to take her out on a sea expedition.

As was to be expected, local authorities and conservationists were not all that pleased when pictures taken during this woman's ride hit the public eye, and eyewitnesses were soon brought in for questioning.

Although the local police was unable to find the woman on their own, the good news is that Ana Gutierrez soon decided to turn herself in order to explain her actions and clear her name.

Apparently, the woman had no idea that her riding a manatee would be listed as a second-degree misdemeanor, and that legal charges would be filed against her.

It may be true that the manatee was left unharmed by Ana Gutierrez, but the fact remains that the woman could be made to spend 60 days in prison as a result of her not abiding by the rules and regulations listed under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act.