Wild turkeys and armadillos are here and occasionally making an appearance are the bobcat and black bear. St. Marks Refuge occupies a total of 65,000 acres, and the refuge boundaries encompass 17,000 acres of designated wilderness where the jaguarundi is known to reside, but you will be exceptionally fortunate if you spot one of these rare creatures. Winter weather is moderate in this area and that is the best time to visit. Waterfowl populations usually peak between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Summer can be stiflingly hot and insects are a problem when the wind is calm, but purple martins and eastern kingbirds can be seen at many of the refuge sites and baby alligators hatch from their nests in August.
Fog can be a problem any season.
First light sometimes finds it obscuring vision on the peninsula while clear weather predominates on the mainland, and it frequently continues until midday. A minimal admission is charged and can be paid at the main gate just before the Visitor Center, which is worth a stop for maps and the latest word on wildlife sightings. An interesting pond is located just behind the building with a short boardwalk for viewing. Endangered wood storks are occasionally seen in this pond during summer months. The St. Marks Refuge Association is a non-profit group, created in 1987, that supports the Refuge in numerous ways, including operating a book store in the Visitor Center and conducting escorted tours of the refuge.