Wildlife of the Nature Coast Marsh

The reason to be out here. Also the reason much of it is regulated.

Independent guide, not a club, dealer, outfitter or agency, and not affiliated with any organisation that previously used this domain. Rules on the water change — confirm anything legal with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you run.

Manatees

Crystal River and Homosassa hold major wintering aggregations, drawn to the spring vents. Manatees are protected under federal and state law; approaching, harassing or pursuing them is an offence, and speed zones exist specifically to prevent strikes. In winter, assume every warm-water area is occupied.

Birds

Wading birds, ospreys, bald eagles and in places roseate spoonbills. Nesting colonies are sensitive to disturbance and some islands are posted closed during nesting season. A flushed colony can lose a whole season's chicks to predators in minutes.

Alligators

Present throughout the fresh and brackish water, most visible in warm months. Feeding them is illegal and is what turns an indifferent animal into a dangerous one.

Fish and seagrass

The shallow grass flats are nursery habitat for much of what people fish for further out. Prop scarring and repeated running of the same shallow line does measurable damage.

Watching well

• Keep distance and let animals decide the encounter.
• Come off plane early rather than beside them.
• Do not circle, herd or push wildlife for a photograph.
• Report injured or entangled animals to FWC.