35 Manatees Die Across Florida From Cold Weather

The cold weather that hit Florida in January killed 35 manatees across the state, according to a preliminary report released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The deaths from cold stress syndrome occurred between Jan. 1-26, the report said.

The commission report said that was five times as many deaths compared to the same period in 2017. January 2018 was deadlier than the first month of any of the previous five years. But more manatees - 151 - died during a cold snap in January 2010.

Manatees are very sensitive to cold weather. Cold stress syndrome can occur when the marine mammals encounter water below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius) for a prolonged period. Manatees experience hypothermia, their organs start to shut down and their skin begins to slough off.

Nineteen of the deaths occurred in mid-January when temperatures dropped into the 30s. The deaths occurred across the state, with five in Hillsborough County and two deaths in Manatee County.

Another 10 manatees died statewide in January because of boat collisions, wildlife officials said.

See the report here.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Image via AP Photo/Tamara Lush, File