The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission examination of recent large-scale manatee deaths in Lee County said a shutdown of a power plant near the canal the animals use for warmth could be a mitigating factor in the deaths.
FWC continues to document an elevated number of manatee deaths in Lee County. Findings from the agency’s carcass response indicate the aquatic animals died as a result of cold stress associated with recent cold weather conditions.
An update from the FWC said that, historically, each winter there is 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. As temperatures drop, Florida manatees move into springs, power plant discharge areas and other warm-water areas…