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Wildlife by seasonusual timing 2026

Where is seasonal wildlife in season now?

No official report has come in for wildlife by season yet this season.

Updated Sep 29.

Places by state

Florida

South Carolina

Know before you go

Practical facts from each place's own sources
  • Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge

    Local timing: late February through early April

    • Festival: The refuge's annual April festival, a good chance to see prairie-chickens lekking (Apr)
    • Cost and permits: Van tours on the first and third Saturdays in March and April (first Saturday only, May to February); reservation needed (Mar–Apr)
    • Is there a fee, and when is it open: There is no charge. The Auto Tour Loop and both trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset, and the public restrooms near the visitor center are always available. The visitor center is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday from November to May and Thursday to Saturday from June to October.
    • How do I get there: The only public entrance is from the southeast off FM 3013: turn at the big blue sign onto Attwater Road and follow the signs 2 miles to headquarters. Some GPS systems send you the wrong way.
    Sources (2)
  • Padre Island National Seashore

    At one spot: mid-June through August

    • Is there a fee: Yes, entrance fees apply year-round. As of September 2026 a one-day pass is $10 per vehicle and expires at midnight on the day you buy it, so buy it on the morning of the release, after calling the hotline; a 7-day private-vehicle pass is $25. Annual and lifetime pass holders show their pass and ID at the entrance station.
    • Can I bring my dog: Not to a release: leave pets at home (trained service animals are allowed). On other days leashed pets are welcome on the park's beaches, campgrounds, trails and boardwalks.
    • Getting around: Malaquite Beach (release site): The public releases happen here, in front of the Malaquite Visitor Center, behind the release barriers. You can't drive onto Malaquite Beach: park in the lot and walk down to the sand.
    • Getting around: Malaquite Visitor Center: About 15 minutes south of the entrance station. Its deck has the restrooms and an accessible ramp down to the beach; the park lends two beach wheelchairs and a walker, first come, first served.
    Sources (3)
  • St. Marks Refuge

    Usually January and December

    • How much is the entrance fee: $5 per vehicle, $1 per bike or pedestrian, or $25 for an annual refuge pass. America the Beautiful passes are honored.
    • Getting around: St. Marks Lighthouse and Lighthouse Levee Trail: At the end of Lighthouse Road; the Lighthouse Levee Trail (under half a mile) starts to the right of the parking lot and is open on foot, by bike and on horseback
    • Open: Flint Rock (Newport Hunt Area) open for general hunting season, September to April (Sep–Apr)
    • Top spot: Lighthouse Road (CR 59): The refuge's main road: turn off US 98 and drive 3 miles to the visitor center, then on to the lighthouse at the end of the road; the gate opens at 6 a.m.
    Sources (1)
  • Carolina Sandhills Refuge

    Usually January and December

    • When is the refuge open: From one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, except areas posted closed. The office and visitor center is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    • Season: Fishing season at Martin's Lake (catch and release), March 1 to October 31 (Mar–Oct)
    • Top spot: Red-cockaded Woodpecker Viewing Area (Pool A Recreation Area): An observation area in open, park-like longleaf pine with grasses and wildflowers underneath; stay at least 100 feet from the cavity trees, which are marked with a white band of paint at eye level
    Sources (1)
  • National Key Deer Refuge

    Usually January and December

    • When are refuge lands open: From half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. The Nature Center on Big Pine Key is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Getting around: Blue Hole Observation Platform: Three miles north of US 1 on Key Deer Boulevard: a short, shaded paved trail from the parking lot to a platform over a former limestone quarry, now a freshwater pond; accessible to everyone, no bikes on the trail
    • Top spot: No Name Key trails: Rustic fire-road trails running south from Watson Rd/Old State Rd 4A, east of Big Pine Key, through shaded hardwood hammock and pine rockland; surfaces are uneven, poisonwood may overhang, and bikes are allowed on rough terrain. Big Pine and No Name Keys hold about 75% of the Key deer
    Sources (2)

Questions people ask

Where can I see wildlife by season?

We track 5 places: Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge (its season: late February through early April), Carolina Sandhills Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, Padre Island National Seashore and St. Marks Refuge.

How do you track wildlife by season?

Each place moves through 4 stages: Season starting, Season under way, Busiest time and Winding down. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.