TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — State wildlife officials say deaths and injuries to wildlife from last month's nearly two-week cold snap are unprecedented.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says more than 4,500 sea turtles were rescued from cold water in January. They say they were able to save the lives of at least 80 percent of the sick animals. Officials say manatee carcasses continue to appear, bringing their deaths for 2010 to more than 200 so far.
By comparison, the highest number of manatee deaths for a single calendar year is 429 recorded for 2009.
The agency is asking the public to help by purchasing a specialty license plate or decal, funds that were an important resource in caring for the state's wildlife during the cold snap.
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On The Net:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, www.myfwc.com
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