In Florida, wildlife officials have flagged a concerning spike in manatee deaths attributed to cold stress, as winter weather continues to take its toll on this vulnerable species. Preliminary figures from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) indicate that 35 manatees have succumbed to cold-related causes in the first two months of 2026. This number is alarmingly three times higher than the five-year average of 13 for the same period.
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Between January 1 and February 27, 2026, Florida recorded a total of 176 manatee deaths statewide. While this figure is somewhat lower than the 197 deaths reported during the corresponding timeframe in 2025, the high incidence of cold-stress fatalities raises significant red flags for the state’s manatee population. Recent severe cold snaps have been linked to these deaths, with one incident being severe enough to cause a decline in invasive iguana populations in the region.
The FWC highlighted that the number of necropsied manatee carcasses determined to have died from cold stress exceeds the five-year average, suggesting that several unexamined carcasses found in remote locations may also be attributed to this cause. As the temperature of water dips below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), manatees become particularly susceptible to cold stress, prompting them to gather at warmer refuges such as natural springs and discharge areas from power plants. If they remain exposed to low temperatures for extended periods, they can experience symptoms akin to hypothermia, which can lead to death.
Interestingly, the 2026 data also reports that 18 deaths were caused by watercraft-related incidents, a slight rise above the five-year average of 13 during the same months. Additionally, there are 85 carcasses that have been verified but not necropsied, leaving the exact circumstances of these deaths ambiguous. The FWC has noted that changes in necropsy response techniques in recent years necessitate cautious interpretation of historical trends, as a larger number of carcasses from 2020 onwards were not fully examined.
In areas such as Lee County in Southwest Florida, local officials are closely tracking manatee fatalities following the recent cold snaps. A report from the FWC confirmed that Florida Power & Light’s Fort Myers plant adhered to its manatee protection protocol during the significant cold event.
As part of ongoing wildlife management efforts, the agency is currently analysing updated information concerning red tide-related manatee deaths. These findings will be made publicly available once the tissue samples have been thoroughly processed.
Florida’s iconic manatee population, part of the West Indian manatee subspecies, has long been recognised for its gentle nature and dependence on the state’s warm waters. Current wildlife experts stress that the rising instances of cold-stress fatalities serve as a stark indicator of the species’ vulnerability to fluctuating weather patterns and environmental changes.
The FWC encourages public involvement in conservation efforts, urging individuals to report any distressed, injured, or deceased manatees to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC. The tragic rise in cold-stressed manatees highlights the critical need for stable winter habitats and the ongoing impact of climate events on marine wildlife.
With the situation still unfolding, officials remain vigilant, continuing to assess further ramifications of the harsh winter on manatee survival and health in Florida’s waters. The future of these beloved marine mammals hinges on not only effective wildlife protection initiatives but also a broader understanding of how climate change is influencing their habitats.