What Might You See?

The Anclote River is a highway, animals moving up and down. We often see a pod of 4 Dolphins. They will navigate up and down the river a few times a day. We aren't lucky enough to see them every day but they are there. Sometimes they show off a little, sometimes they just swim right on by. 

We always get asked about Manatees, we do see them yes, however it is not a sure thing. At River Wild we do not advocate for kayaks or boats to go to springs to sit above Manatees, unfortunately they become familiar with vessels in the water and lose their natural fear of boats.

We have a resident pair of Roseate Spoonbills and they had a chick in the summer of 2022. We love seeing them whenever we are lucky enough, their numbers in Florida are improving but they are still listed as a :species of concern". We can get quite close to them in their natural habitat without disturbing them, it is a real treat.

The Anclote is home to at least one family of Otters, we are yet to get more information. We think there are at least 3, but they are very allusive, We do get to see them in the water and also climbing through the mangroves. Consider them the rivers most rare sighting, they are on the river with us but they definitely don't want to be seen.

We have a nesting pair of Bald Eagles, We see one or both of these majestic birds perched way up high, ready to swoop down, grab a fish and carry it away for a great snack. These wonderful birds are an epic sight,  their numbers continue to grow across the country and the state.

These incredible birds are a River Wild favorite. They boss the waterways here in Florida, run the show. We will often see them hunting along the edge of the mangroves with their neck coiled, ready to grab their prey from the shallow waters. We may get to hear them before we see them so ears open!