Two dozen manatees dead in Manatee Park
Approximately 25 manatees have died in Lee County over the past week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on Friday.
Kelly Richmond, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said there has recently been an increase in reports of deceased manatees in the Orange River and surrounding areas of Fort Myers.
Between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18, approximately 25 manatee mortalities were reported in Lee County.
“Initial observations suggest cold stress may be a contributing factor; however, these data are preliminary and this event is an active and ongoing investigation,” Richmond said.
Lee County spokesperson Betsy Clayton said the county delayed the opening of Manatee Park in response to the death of the manatees but have since reopened the park, located on State Road 80 (Palm Beach Boulevard) outside Fort Myers.
Members of the public can help by reporting any injured, distressed, or deceased manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so trained responders can assist.
Editor’s note: The attached picture of manatees at Manatee Park is a file photo, not a current depiction.
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