WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — While air temperatures may still feel warm, water temperatures are beginning to drop across North Carolina, putting manatees at risk for cold stress.
Experts say now is an important time for the public to keep an eye out for the marine mammals, which frequently visit North Carolina waters during the summer months. As temperatures cool, manatees can develop serious health complications from prolonged exposure to cold water. In some cases, cold stress can even be fatal.
Manatees are often spotted around marinas and along the Intracoastal Waterway. As water temperatures continue to fall, they will begin seeking out warmer areas…