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FWC: Manatees more abundant than previously thought

Posted at 2:02 PM, Dec 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-19 14:15:07-05

FLORIDA -- It's been a deadly year for manatees, but Florida Fish and Wildlife believes there are more of them in our waters than previously thought.

In a report released this week, FWC says roughly 7,500 to more than 10,000 manatees swim in state waters, according to their latest updated survey.

However, wildlife officials say there have been 779 manatee deaths so far this year. Experts blame a winter cold snap, prolonged red tide, and boat collisions.

The detailed report can be found HERE.