Woman Riding Manatee Photos: Turns Herself in After Illegal Live Animal Ocean Joyride in Florida

A woman recently photographed riding and touching a manatee in Florida has turned herself in to authorities, claiming that she didn't realize her seemingly innocent and fun "live animal" ocean joyride was actually illegal.  52-year-old Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez admitted to Pinellas County police on Tuesday that she indeed was the red short, black-and-white bikini top-bearing individual that decided to grab onto a passing manatee for a little ride at the Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas, FL on Sunday.

Check out the photos snapped by shocked onlookers here.

Witnesses at the park snapped pictures of Gutierrez riding the large sea-cow and turned them in to authorities. Touching or harassing a manatee in such a way in Florida waters is a second-degree misdemeanor. Gutierrez was not arrested or charged when police showed up to her home and questioned her because the deputy had not personally witnessed the misdemeanor occur - the case has been turned over to the state attorney's office for prosecution. Authorities say that Gutierrez's penalty could be up to 60 days in jail and a possible fine of $500.

Gutierrez, who claimed she had no idea surfing along with a manatee was illegal, was explained the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Acts which states: "It is unlawful for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb any manatee."

"It's a wild animal. It's not something to be ridden," Susan Butler, a manatee expert with the U.S. Geological Survey in Gainesville, told the Tampa Bay Times. "I can't say that as a biologist I would ever, ever condone that, or say that (the manatee) wanted them to do that."

The Sheriff's Office does not believe the manatee that Gutierrez was riding was injured or harmed in any way.