FWC attributes mass manatee deaths at Manatee Park to cold stress

LEE COUNTY, Fla.—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released a statement regarding its investigation into the mass number of manatee deaths reported in Manatee Park.

On Friday, the FWC’s findings from its carcass response indicate these animals died as a result of cold stress associated with recent cold weather conditions.

Officials noted that each winter in Florida has led to an increase in manatee mortalities and rescues statewide due to cold stress. Manatees need access to water that is warmer than 68°F to survive prolonged cold weather.

Currently, FWC reports that 25 manatees have died at Manatee Park.

Discussions have been underway regarding a recent unplanned shutdown of a nearby Florida Power & Light power plant may have impacted mortality levels. At this time, FWC cannot say what extent the shutdown may have had on the manatee mortalities.

As of Friday, the power plant has reopened.

The Save the Manatee Club contacted WINK News, saying the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told them as many as 30 manatees have now died in recent days, in part due to the dangerously cold conditions earlier this month across Southwest Florida.

Our team is currently working to confirm that information.