For over a decade, students have been working to restore Kings Bay in Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida. The restoration efforts have been led by the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and have involved students from local schools. On a recent Saturday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) caught alligators in the area following a gator attack.
The gator attack occurred on January 15, 2023, around 10:30 a.m. near the Kings Bay area. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. In response to the attack, the FWC was called to the scene to capture the alligators. The FWC caught a total of 12 alligators in the area, including one that was approximately 10 feet long.
The restoration efforts at Kings Bay have been ongoing since 2013 and have involved students from local schools, including the Crystal River High School and the Citrus High School. The students have worked to restore the bay’s natural habitats, including the planting of native vegetation and the removal of invasive species. The restoration efforts have also involved the creation of a 12-acre wildlife sanctuary.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge has been instrumental in leading the restoration efforts at Kings Bay. The refuge has provided funding and resources for the project, including the provision of educational materials and equipment. The refuge has also worked closely with local schools and community groups to engage students and residents in the restoration efforts.
For more information on the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal-river. To learn more about the FWC’s alligator management program, visit https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/habitat/alligator-management. For information on the Kings Bay restoration project, visit https://www.crystalriverrefuge.org.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
