ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 As of October 10, 565 manatee deaths have been reported in Florida this year, aligning with the annual average.<\/p>\n
Although the number of deaths is at the usual annual average, wildlife officials remain cautious. Of the reported deaths, 89 were connected to incidents involving watercraft.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we think of average manatee deaths in Florida, overall this year, we\u2019re seeing consistent amounts of deaths with previous years outside of the unusual mortality event,\u201d said George Warthen, Chief Conservation Officer at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s manatee deaths are still considerably lower than the record 1,100 deaths in 2021, which were mainly caused by starvation.<\/p>\n
Although current numbers match past averages, officials monitor closely to prevent another 2021-like mortality event.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n