As the sunshine state experiences the frigid temperatures from a series of arctic fronts, Patrick Rose, an aquatic biologist and Save the Manatee Club executive director, is advising residents of America’s oldest city on the proper protocol of caring for manatees impacted by plummeting temperatures.
Rose said St. Augustine is an important habitat for manatees, as the waterways serve as a major travel corridor for the species migrating north to Georgia and South Carolina, especially during the summer months.
“As temperatures drop this time of year, it’s vital for residents and visitors to stay alert for manatees in distress,” he told the St. Augustine Record via email. “Watch closely for signs of cold stress syndrome, such as lethargy or unusual behavior such as more rapid breathing or floating abnormally high in the water.”…