FWC shares wildlife safety reminders as winter storm Fern brings colder temperatures to Florida

As winter storm Fern brings colder temperatures to much of the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public how cold weather can impact wildlife, and what to do and what not to do if you encounter manatees, sea turtles or nonnative green iguanas.

Manatees

Manatees need access to water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive prolonged cold weather. As temperatures drop, Florida manatees move into springs, power plant discharge areas and other warm-water areas. When viewing manatees at these sites, it is important to give them space. Disturbing manatees can cause them to leave protected warm water areas and swim into potentially life-threatening cold water.

Manatees are a protected species, and it is illegal to harass, feed, disturb or harm them.

During colder months, seasonal manatee protection zones require boaters and personal watercraft users to reduce speed in or avoid certain areas to prevent collisions that can injure or kill manatees. These zones are marked by waterway signs, and maps are available at MyFWC.com/Protection-Zones.

Prolonged exposure to cold water can cause manatees to lose body heat and impair digestion, leading to a condition known as cold stress, which can be fatal. Anyone who sees an injured, distressed, sick or dead manatee should report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so trained responders can assist. More information about manatees and how to help protect them is available at MyFWC.com/Manatee.

Sea turtles

When water temperatures drop to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, sea turtles can become cold-stunned, leaving them weak and unable to swim. Cold-stunned sea turtles might float listlessly in the water, on or near shore. Although they may appear to be dead, they are often still alive.

Cold stunning occurs most often in St. Joseph Bay (Gulf County) but can happen anywhere along Florida's coast. FWC biologists coordinate rescue efforts with authorized Marine Turtle Permit Holders who are trained to respond.

If you see an injured, distressed or dead sea turtle, please report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so that trained responders can assist. All species of sea turtles are protected in Florida, and it is illegal to harass, feed, disturb or harm them. More information about sea turtles in Florida and conservation efforts can be found at MyFWC.com/Sea-Turtle.

Nonnative green iguanas

When temperatures near freezing or drop below, nonnative green iguanas and other nonnative reptiles can go into a state of torpor, temporarily losing muscle control. This can cause green iguanas to fall from trees or other vegetation.

The FWC reminds the public not to bring iguanas into homes or vehicles to warm them. As iguanas recover, they can quickly become defensive, using their sharp teeth and claws and powerful tails.

Green iguanas are a Prohibited Species in Florida. It is illegal to possess live green iguanas without a permit, as well as to release or relocate them. Releasing nonnative wildlife can harm native species and Florida's ecosystems by introducing invasive animals into new areas.

Property owners experiencing damage from iguanas can find guidance on discouraging them from their property at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.