Chilly temps bring sea cows to Manatee Park

Reporter: Stephanie Byrne
Published: Updated:
When temperatures drop, manatees head to Lee County’s Manatee Park. (CREDIT: WINK News)

Visitors to Manatee Park in Lee County got a special treat on Wednesday as dozens of manatees showed up to enjoy the area’s warmer waters.

The park is a warm water refuge for sea cows during cold spells. The water is warmer because of a nearby water plant.

Researchers also took advantage of the mammals’ visits to collect data. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Mote Marine Lab staff were on hand to conduct genetic sampling by taking skin tissue samples.

That helps researchers track their survival, migration and population rates.

Don Fisher, a part-time Fort Myers resident, said it’s great not to be in Chicago where it’s cold this time of year.

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