FWC: Report cold weather impacts to wildlife

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is monitoring upcoming cold weather systems forecasted to bring some of the coldest temperatures seen in decades to parts of Florida, including Lake Okeechobee and surrounding areas.

Past extreme cold events have occasionally affected wildlife, including localized fish kills and cold stress in other species. In freshwater systems, colder temperatures can affect fish and other aquatic animals, particularly nonnative species such as tilapia, Mayan cichlids and sailfin catfish. Prolonged or severe cold can also impact some native species, as well as marine and estuarine fishes including bass, snook, tarpon and other warm-water species that are sensitive to sudden temperature drops.

The FWC encourages the public to report native wildlife in distress, injured wildlife or fish kills so staff can respond as quickly as possible.

To report wildlife concerns:

• FWC Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511 or submit a report online
• FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline (for sea turtles and manatees): 888-404-FWCC (3922)

The public is reminded not to handle distressed wildlife and to keep a safe distance.

The FWC appreciates the public’s assistance in helping protect Florida’s native fish and wildlife during extreme weather events. For more information, view the FWC's recent winter storm safety news release.