Manatee deaths are broken down into eight categories based on
gross, histological, and microbiological findings.
Watercraft: Manatees hit by boats, barges or
any type of watercraft. Death may result from propeller wounds,
impact, crushing, or any combination of the three.
Crushed/Drowned in Flood Gate or Canal Lock:
Manatees killed by crushing or asphyxiation in flood gates and
canal locks.
Other Human-Related: Manatee deaths caused by
vandalism, poaching, entrapment in pipes and culverts,
complications due to entanglement in ropes, lines, and nets, or
ingestion of fishing gear or debris.
Perinatal: Manatee less than 150 cm (5 ft.) in
total length which were not determined to have died due to
human-related causes.
Cold Stress: Manatees which die as a result of
exposure to prolonged cold weather. Animals are usually emaciated
and in a general state of malnutrition. (Combined with "Other
Natural" in some printouts.)
Other Natural: Manatee deaths resulting from
infectious and non-infectious diseases, birth complications,
natural accidents, and natural catastrophes (such as red
tide poisoning).
Undetermined; Too Decomposed: Manatee deaths in
which the cause of death could not be determined due to an advanced
stage of decomposition.
Undetermined; Other: Manatee deaths in which
the carcass was in good condition (fresh or moderately decomposed),
but necropsy findings were inconclusive. (Combined with
"Undetermined" in some printouts.)
Verified/Not Recovered: Manatee deaths that
were reported and verified, but the carcass was not available.
(Combined with "Undetermined" in some printouts.)
Photo Credits: Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
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