FWC Investigating Spike in Manatee Deaths in Lee County

25 manatees found dead in the past week, raising concerns about potential causes

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is investigating a concerning spike in manatee deaths in Lee County, Florida, with 25 manatees found dead in the past week. The FWC is looking into potential factors like cold stress, lack of seagrass, and polluted waterways as possible causes for the high mortality rate.

Why it matters

Manatees are a protected species in Florida, and their deaths are closely monitored by wildlife officials. A sudden spike in manatee fatalities could indicate broader environmental issues in the region that need to be addressed to protect this vulnerable marine mammal population.

The details

Of the 25 manatees found dead in Lee County over the past week, multiple were discovered at a park in Fort Myers, leading authorities to shut down the area temporarily while crews removed the carcasses. The FWC is conducting necropsies and investigating potential causes, with initial observations suggesting cold stress, lack of seagrass, and polluted waterways as possible factors.

  • In the past week, 25 manatees were found dead in Lee County, Florida.
  • So far in 2026, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida, according to the FWC.
  • In 2025, a total of 632 manatee deaths were reported in Florida.

The players

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC)

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Florida's wildlife, including the endangered manatee population.

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What’s next

The FWC will continue to investigate the causes of the spike in manatee deaths in Lee County and work to address any underlying environmental issues that may be contributing to the high mortality rate.

The takeaway

The sudden increase in manatee deaths in Lee County is a concerning development that highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of this vulnerable species. Residents can play a role by reporting any injured or distressed manatees to the FWC hotline, helping wildlife officials respond to potential threats.