Hundreds of manatees seek warmth in Florida’s Three Sisters Springs
Hundreds of manatees gathered in Three Sisters Springs on New Year’s Eve as cold weather swept across Florida. The protected waterway in Crystal River provided a warm refuge for the marine mammals. Air temperatures dropped to around 35 degrees, pushing the animals into the spring-fed waters.
The spring’s water remained a steady 65.8 degrees, offering relief from the chilly conditions. Up to 300 manatees were spotted huddling together in the area.
Three Sisters Springs is jointly owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the city of Crystal River. The site is managed by the city and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2023, the district completed a project to stabilize the shoreline, ensuring the habitat remained suitable for manatees.
The protected springs continue to serve as a vital winter sanctuary for manatees. With ongoing conservation efforts, the site helps safeguard the species during cold spells. Officials have not released details about who carried out the 2023 stabilization work.
