What time does Homosassa Springs Close?
9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Homosassa Springs is one of the only places in the world where manatees may be observed at close range 365 days a year. Hours are 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., 365 days a year. Ticket counters close at 4 p.m.
How much does it cost to go to Homosassa Springs?
To get into Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, it will cost adult visitors, $13. Anyone over 13 is considered an adult; children ages 6-12 will cost $5, and there is no entrance fee for children under 6 years of age.
Can you feed the manatees in Florida?
Feeding manatees could be a form of harassment, which is illegal under both state and federal law, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hand-feeding wild animals can cause them to become conditioned to human beings and encourage them depart from natural behavior.
Are there alligators in Homosassa Florida?
A 1-mile elevated boardwalk circles among wildlife exhibits along the Homosassa River that feature a full complement of Florida natives, including alligators, crocodiles, snakes, birds, bears, bobcats and river otters. The park also has rare red wolves, whooping cranes, and a Florida panther.
What is special about Homosassa Springs?
The town of Homosassa Springs is not only built around but also named after its most impressive natural wonder. One of the unique features of the Homosassa headspring is that the main vent flows from three points underground with each vent having different salt content and water quality.
When can you see manatees in Homosassa?
The peak season for observing manatees is November through April, and the local manatee population swells to its largest size between December and February. You can spot manatees in our waterways all year round, but the population is much smaller during the summer months.
Are there alligators in the Homosassa River?
Can manatees drink fresh water?
Manatee intake of water occurs while eating aquatic plants as well as actively drinking. They can survive in fresh, brackish, or salt water and are skilled at finding natural sources of fresh water. They do not need to drink fresh water every day. This means people do not need to give manatees water from hoses.
Can I feed manatee lettuce?
“We think it’s significant,” Mezich said. “When the animals are there, we will continue to offer food and hope they take advantage of that.” The feeding schedule will introduce cabbage and another lettuce to the manatees, both of which are common foods for their diet.
Where can I watch manatees in Florida?
Watch manatees on underwater and above-water webcams at Blue Spring State Park and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Webcam videos available, too! Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
How do I get the latest Manatee count at Blue Spring State Park?
Please call Blue Spring State Park before you visit to get the latest manatee count at the park: 386-775-3663. Support for the Manatee Webcams at Blue Spring State Park was made possible by a donation to Save the Manatee Club as a memorial gift in honor of the late Mrs. Norma Norton, a Florida resident who cared deeply for manatees.
What is save the manatees?
Save the Manatee Club has provided funding for a spring run gate at the park that allows wild manatees to swim into the main spring area, which acts as an important source of warmth in the winter.
How many manatees have been found in the Gulf of Mexico?
Any people seen in the videos are researchers or other individuals with special permission. The river temp has gone up to 64.4° F (18° C). We counted 133 manatees, and the sole Save the Manatee Club adoptee in was Rocket. Because of the expected warm temperatures, there should be even fewer manatees in the next few days.—