Permitting, Environment and Regulatory Affairs

Environmental Resources Management

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Manatees and Cold Weather

Manatees live in Miami-Dade County year-round, but during the winter, large numbers of manatees move south or to springs and heated discharges from power plants. Manatees suffer from the cold when water temperatures fall below 68 degrees. They may become ill or die if they are unable to find refuge in warmer waters over a prolonged period.

In Miami-Dade, canals and rivers that are influenced by warmer groundwater flows provide refuge for cold-stressed manatees. It is important that manatees be able to reach these shelters and rest in them with little or no disturbance from human activities.

The best way to help manatees in cold weather is to avoid disturbing them, watch for signs of stress or injury and notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) of any manatee in distress.

Manatees remain protected species under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, and are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

A group of manatees swimming.
Manatees seek shelter in warm
canals during cold weather.

A baby manatee nursing.
Please be careful not to disturb a
mother manatee with a nursing calf.

A manatee swimming.
Manatee swimming in a canal.

Tips when you see a manatee

To report an injured, dead, harassed or orphaned manatee call 1-888-404-FWCC, or on a cell phone, dial *FWC or #FWC.
Do not attempt to feed manatees or give them water from a hose. Also, do not canoe, kayak or swim with them. Even the most well-intended human activity can frighten manatees out of warm areas or accidentally separate a mother and calf.
Manatees may inadvertently eat or become entangled in fishing line, plastic or other trash that is floating in the water or mixed with aquatic vegetation. Please be sure to dispose of all trash and fishing line in appropriate receptacles.
Read more information on manatees, their habitat and their protection.

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Threatened & Endangered

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