Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County, United States.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge covers 30,843 acres on Florida's Gulf Coast, about 70 miles north of St. Petersburg. The Chassahowitzka Wilderness makes up 23,578.93 acres, or 76.4 percent of the refuge, with only a portion in the northeast outside the designation. The refuge holds underwater cave systems, including Buford Sink and Little Gator Siphon.

The refuge was established in 1943 and now covers 30,843 acres on Florida's west coast, about 70 miles north of St. Petersburg. Its Chassahowitzka Wilderness makes up 23,578.93 acres, or 76.4 percent of the total area, with only a northeastern portion outside the designation. In 2001 the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership raised whooping crane chicks at Wisconsin's Necedah refuge and guided them here for winter; despite heavy losses to 2007 hurricanes, up to 105 migrating birds were established in the eastern United States by 2010.

The refuge is the southern wintering site for the reintroduced eastern population of whooping cranes. Since 2001, chicks raised at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin have been guided here for the winter; by 2010 up to 105 migrating birds were established in the eastern United States, the first in over 100 years.

You will need a watercraft to explore the refuge, and the main launch point is at the Citrus County boat ramp near US19 and US98. Planning ahead with a map and weather information makes the visit safer and more enjoyable.

The area is fed by natural freshwater springs that supply several creeks with clear water and support specialized wildlife. These hidden water sources are overlooked by many visitors but are vital to the refuge's ecosystem.