2010 has not been kind to Florida's manatees

            2010 was a tough year for Florida’s manatee population.

Nearly 700 manatees died in Florida waters this year – it’s a record high number of deaths and nearly doubles the average over the past 5 years.

Almost 250 manatees died during the freezing temperatures in January of this year.

The causes of death for 203 more manatees was listed as undetermined but were likely also cold related.

The number of manatee deaths caused by boat propellers has not been released yet, but researchers say numbers were down early in the year but trended higher than average as the year went on.

The manatee death numbers are still very preliminary, final totals will be released in early January.

Manatees are currently moving south where the waters are warmer - they will begin moving back into North Florida when the water begins warming in the spring.

Boaters are asked to report any dead or injured manatee, by calling 1-888-404-FWCC.  

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