Cold stress syndrome is a leading cause of manatee mortality in Florida, occurring when water temperatures drop and manatees lack adequate warm-water refuge.
Manatees suffering from cold stress experience painful skin lesions, loss of coordination, inability to breathe normally, and systemic organ failure. Mass cold stress events can affect hundreds of animals simultaneously, overwhelming rescue capacity. Climate change paradoxically creates longer cold snaps in Florida due to polar vortex disruption. Conservation efforts focus on protecting natural springs, managing power plant closures responsibly, and maintaining emergency rescue infrastructure.