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Why do manatees need warm water?

Manatees are marine mammals, but they're very sensitive to cold. Their bodies struggle to regulate temperature in water below 20°C (68°F), leading to a condition called 'cold stress'. This can weaken them and even be fatal, which is why finding warm water is so crucial for their survival during winter months, as highlighted by the story.

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Florida manatees rely on power plant warm water to survive cold winters

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