FWC provides final update regarding death of at least 25 manatees

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provided a final update on the dead manatees that were found at Manatee Park between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18.

• RELATED: Lee County mourns 25 manatees; FPL plant shutdown under investigation

FWC said the increase in deaths was due to cold stress following a period of cold weather.

The staff confirmed that the Florida Power & Light Ft. Myers plant complied with its license and manatee-protection plan requirements. There is no ongoing FWC investigation involving FPL.

"FPL is a key partner with a long history of supporting the FWC’s manatee conservation efforts," said the FWC.

Manatees rely on warm-water sites to survive winter. When water temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, they seek refuge at springs and power plant discharge areas.

The FWC said that 25 manatees have died between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18.

FWC encouraged the public to report injured or deceased manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC(3922).

Click here to report injured, distressed, or deceased manatees to FWC.

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