Why do manatees seem drawn to power plants?
During the cooler months, warm water discharge from power plants and other industries attracts the manatees because they cant survive extended exposure to cold water. When the surrounding water temperature drops below 68 F or 20 C, they move to warmer waters, including southern Florida, power plants, and natural warm water springs. Historically, the manatee population was concentrated around South Florida during the winter months, but the power plants on coastal and inland waterways have made it possible for them to survive winter in northern Florida if they have access to a warm water site.
