Unprecedented number of cold-related manatee deaths in Florida

Record numbers of manatee have died during the recent cold snap in Florida. Credit FWC.

January 2010. The cold period that began on January 2nd and lasted nearly two weeks continues to have an impact on Florida manatees. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) documented more than 100 manatee carcasses in state waters from the beginning of the year up until January 23rd.

Biologists report that the preliminary cause of death for 77 of these animals is cold stress. The previous record number of cold-stress deaths in a single year was 56, set in 2009.

New born deaths
In addition, researchers note exposure to cold this year probably contributed to the deaths of several newborn manatees, classified as "perinatal." Researchers continue to recover and examine carcasses, so the total is expected to rise; however, the rate should slow down as water temperatures warm.

The recent cold snap exposed manatees in Florida to cold water temperatures. Exposure to low temperatures over a period of time can cause a condition called manatee cold-stress syndrome, which can result in death.