Blue Spring State Park sets new manatee count record amid Florida cold snap

Blue Spring State Park experienced a record-breaking morning with 932 manatees present in the spring today, as announced in a social media post by the park.

Artificial intelligence used to count manatee clusters in real time: FAU researchers

Manatees are an endangered species susceptible to environmental changes. Researchers who track the manatee population in Florida say they face challenges with accurate counting due to their herding behavior and water reflections.

Manatees may become endangered species soon
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made them a threatened species back in 2017. Now, the federal agency says they may have acted too soon. From starvation and boat collisions to climate change, experts say Florida?s beloved sea cows are in trouble.

Florida deputy tries to save stranded manatee: What happens next might surprise you

Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra was stopped Thursday by passersby and troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol in Layton who noticed the manatee with a cub.

How glitter tubes are dangerous for manatees
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A local group dedicated to protecting the manatees in Florida is warning swimmers not to bring those glitter-filled inflatable tubes to the springs as they're dangerous -- and possibly deadly -- to the manatees.

Groups to sue federal officials over failure to protect manatees

Several conservation groups announced Tuesday that they’re planning to sue federal wildlife officials, citing a failure to protect the West Indian manatee following record death rates in recent years.

Red tide suspected culprit in rescue of 2 manatees in Southwest Florida, FWC says

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said two manatees were rescued over the weekend showing signs of lethargy, possibly tied to red tide. Both were transported to SeaWorld Orlando for study and rehabilitation. 

How growing more seagrass may help keep more Florida manatees alive

Florida's manatee population is dying in record numbers. In fact, the latest numbers show a total of 800 manatees died last year alone. One of the biggest problems is a lack of the sea cows' favorite food, seagrass.

2 small, ailing manatees rescued off Florida coast, FWC says

Two small and ailing manatees rescued from the coast of Florida have been brought to SeaWorld Orlando to be treated.

'Welcome to Florida' billboard stirs controversy with image of dead manatee

A few new billboards along Interstate 95 in Florida's Brevard County may have you doing a double-take. The signs read "Welcome to Florida. Home to bears. Toxic water. Dead manatees."

Florida manatee deaths drop but starvation still a concern

Manatee deaths dropped in 2022 from a record high the year before, but Florida wildlife officials said Wednesday that chronic starvation caused by water pollution remains a major concern.

Manatee raising rare twin calves at Blue Spring State Park
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Researchers have confirmed a manatee mother is raising twin calves at Blue Spring State Park. Manatee twins are incredibly rare, they said. The Save the Manatee Club has been tracking their mother, Estelle, and her visits to Blue Spring since 2019. Both calves are In good health.

Dozens of Florida manatees in rehab amid ongoing starvation

More than six dozen threatened manatees are currently in rehabilitation centers in Florida and elsewhere amid a chronic starvation problem caused by water pollution, wildlife officials said Wednesday.