As Florida experiences unusually cold temperatures and even snow in some parts, wildlife officials are keeping a close eye on vulnerable manatees and sea turtles.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, with the help of volunteers, rescued cold-stunned sea turtles Thursday near Port St. Joe.
When temperatures drop drastically, stunned sea turtles may float listlessly in the water or near shore, FWC said.
The turtles may look like they’re dead, but are usually still alive.
FWC says it has already rescued nearly 100 turtles since the cold snap began.
Our biologists, partners and permitted volunteers are working to rescue cold-stunned #seaturtles in NW #Florida: https://t.co/U32tLxRvqm @USFWS pic.twitter.com/vTNpPZwoYX
— MyFWC (@MyFWC) January 4, 2018
Officers are also monitoring how manatees are faring in the cold.
They’re asking residents to avoid areas where manatees gather in large numbers.
Disturbances may cause manatees to leave their warm-water sites, putting them in danger, FWC said.
Manatees head for warmer waters, such as discharge canals, power plants and natural springs, when the temperatures plunge. Wildlife officials are asking boaters to be extra vigilant and to avoid areas where large numbers of manatees have gathered.
Anyone who sees injured or distressed wildlife, such as sea turtles or manatees, is asked to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Cold temperatures may also impact fish. To report dead and dying fish, call the Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511.
Rescuing cold-stunned sea turtles 🐢❄️ Watch LIVE as our staff, partners and permitted volunteers rescue cold-stunned sea turtles. If you see injured or distressed wildlife, such as sea turtles, report them to our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). More information: http://bit.ly/2E3KkEb
Posted by MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife on Thursday, January 4, 2018
GULF COUNTY, Fla. — The Associated Press contributed to this report
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