Freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, Suwannee bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and channel catfish are found in the Suwannee River and its creeks. Marine mammals such as the bottlenose dolphin and the endangered West Indian manatee, along with several species of marine turtles, use the coastal waters of the Suwannee Sound. Habitat Management Forest and water management techniques are used on Lower Suwannee Refuge to maintain or enhance habitat conditions for the various wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species, which call the refuge home. Water management activities create additional seasonal habitat for wading birds, such as white ibis, herons, wood storks, and egrets. Forest management activities, including prescribed burning and selective cutting, stress the reestablishment of the original vegetative communities which have been altered by years of commercial timber harvest operations.
Prescribed fire is used to improve wildlife habitat and protect against wildfire outbreaks.
Flood plain wetlands, such as bottomland hardwood forests, wooded swamps and freshwater marsh support nesting wood ducks, black bear, otter, wading birds, raccoons, alligators and several species of wintering waterfowl. Mixed hardwood pine forests and uplands offer cover to eastern wild turkey and white-tailed deer. Over 250 species of birds have been identified on the refuge. Osprey, swallow-tailed kites and bald eagles are among the ninety species that nest in the area.