Homosassa River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Homosassa River |
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The Homosassa River from nearby Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Homosassa Springs 0 ft (0 m) |
| River mouth | Gulf of Mexico 0 ft (0 m) |
| Length | 7.7 mi (12.4 km) |
The Homosassa River is a beautiful river in Citrus County, Florida. It is about 7.7 miles (12.4 km) long. This river starts at the Homosassa Springs. From there, it flows west until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
The Homosassa River is a special place for many animals. You can find common bottlenose dolphins and West Indian manatees here. There are also alligator snapping turtles, nine-banded armadillos, and different kinds of snakes. Many birds fly around the river, and eastern box turtles live nearby. You might also spot oysters, raccoons, and American alligators. Other animals include Virginia opossums and North American river otters. The river is also home to many types of fish, both freshwater and saltwater.
This river is an estuary. This means it is where fresh water from the land mixes with salt water from the ocean. So, the water in the Homosassa River is often brackish. This means it is a mix of fresh and salt water. The river is a great spot for fun activities like canoeing and kayaking.
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Exploring Monkey Island
Monkey Island is a small, interesting island in the Homosassa River. It is right next to the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort. This resort is in the downtown area of "Old" Homosassa Florida.
How Monkey Island Was Made
The island was created a long time ago by a man named G. A. Furgason. He was a developer in the Homosassa area. He hired someone to use a special machine called a dragline. This machine helped to build the island from a pile of rocks. These rocks were usually underwater when the tide was high. Creating the island helped boats avoid getting stuck.
The Monkeys' New Home
The island got its name from the monkeys that live there. These monkeys were moved to the island in the 1960s. They came from the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. The monkeys were moved because they were causing some trouble at the park. They would sometimes take candy, go into cars, or even bite visitors. The river works like a natural fence for the monkeys. They usually do not like to swim, so they stay on the island.
Life on Monkey Island Today
Today, three spider monkeys live on the island. Two of these monkeys are from the original group that was moved there. The island has a small lighthouse and tall Cedar trees. There is also a special "playground" just for the monkeys. Staff members bring them fresh fruit every day to eat.
Protecting Wildlife
In 2021, a manatee swimming in the river's headwaters was found to have marks on its body. These marks looked like someone had etched words onto its skin. This act of marking an animal is harmful and illegal. It is important to treat all wildlife with respect and kindness.
