Over 800 manatees dead in Florida in 2013

2013 has been a very bad year for Florida’s manatee population.

Over 800 manatees have died in Florida waters so far this year – it’s a record high number of deaths and nearly doubles the average number of manatee deaths.

Many died during a red tide outbreak off Southwest Florida this year, another large kill happened in Indian River lagoon.

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

There have been no manatee deaths in Franklin county this year, but there have been three reported from Wakulla county.

One was of natural causes, the other two were undetermined.

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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