Concerns grow over Florida’s manatee population after recent cold snap

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Wildlife crews are making sure Florida’s manatee population is safe after the recent cold snap.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

In South Florida, some “sea cows” were seen gathered in warm water near a power plant in West Palm Beach.

A lot of people came out to see more than 30 manatees up close and personal.

Read: Manatees huddle together as the cold weather moves through Florida

Warm water is crucial for the creatures to survive and thrive.

“We are really excited to learn about them in the upcoming months and learn more about the conservation efforts that are happening for these amazing creatures,” said manatee lagoon visitor Hailey Wilson.

Endangered status sought for manatees as hundreds starve (WFTV)

Officials with Florida Fish and Wildlife recently approved protections for manatees in some Brevard County waterways.

The manatee protections include “no-entry” zones to keep boats out of the warm waters that attract manatees in the winter.

Read: Florida manatee feeding program restarts to help ease starvation crisis, wildlife officials say

The protections come after the state partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to feed the sea cows lettuce.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 10

Orphaned manatees to return to Florida SwimShady, Alby, and Manhattan have eaten a combined 166,158 pounds of food over the 18 months they've spent in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)

Poor water quality and algae blooms have depleted their main food source.

Read: Help save the sea cows by adopting a manatee this holiday season

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group