Winter Storm Fern is sweeping through Florida, and as temperatures take a nosedive, the local wildlife is reacting in some strange and risky ways. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking residents to keep a lookout, not just for their own safety, but for manatees, sea turtles, and even the invasive green iguanas that might be dropping out of trees in your backyard.
If you are near the water, keep an eye out for manatees. These animals struggle when water temperatures dip below 68 degrees.
To survive, they huddle together in warmer pockets of water, like natural springs or the discharge canals near power plants. If you see them gathered there, the most helpful thing you can do is give them plenty of space. It might be tempting to get a closer look, but scaring them can force them to flee back into the freezing water.
That exposure can lead to “cold stress,” a condition that shuts down their digestion and can be fatal. Boaters also need to be extra careful right now.
Slow down in posted zones to avoid hitting them, as they are sluggish and slow to move out of the way. If you see a manatee that looks sick, injured, or distressed, don’t try to intervene yourself. It is illegal to harass or disturb them, so your best bet is to call the professionals.
READ: Home At Last: ZooTampa Smashes Record With 26 Manatee Releases In 2025
Sea turtles are facing similar dangers. When the water gets down to 50 degrees, turtles can get “cold-stunned.” This makes them incredibly weak and unable to swim. You might see them floating aimlessly in the water or washed up on the beach.
They often look dead, but they are usually still alive. This happens frequently in places like St. Joseph Bay, but it can occur anywhere along the coast. Just like with manatees, don’t try to push them back into the water. FWC biologists work with permitted rescuers to save them, so simply report the sighting.
Then there are the iguanas. When it gets near freezing, nonnative green iguanas lose muscle control and enter a state called torpor. This often causes them to lose their grip and fall from trees, leading to the famous “falling iguana” warnings.
While they may look helpless on the ground, the FWC says you should never bring them into your home or car to warm them up. As soon as they recover, they can become defensive and use their sharp teeth, claws, and powerful tails to protect themselves.
Since they are a prohibited species in Florida, it is also illegal to possess them without a permit or release them back into the wild.
The bottom line for this winter storm is to watch from a distance. If you encounter a manatee or sea turtle in trouble, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so trained responders can help.
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