A look at some of the fascinating animals that call the coastal wetlands home

Hidden in the grass

The salt marshes of the Lowcountry are teeming with diverse wildlife, from tiny invertebrates to apex predators. Here’s a look at some of the fascinating animals that call these coastal wetlands home. 

Birds

Clapper rails: A secretive marsh bird that blends into the reeds and is more often heard than seen.

Great blue herons: This majestic wading bird hunts along the marsh edges, stalking fish and amphibians.

Snowy and great egrets: These elegant white birds are commonly seen standing motionless before striking at unsuspecting fish.

Brown pelicans: Often spotted gliding over the water, diving for fish or resting on docks.

Osprey: Known as the “fish hawk,” this raptor dives into the water to catch fish with incredible precision.

Crustaceans & invertebrates

Marsh periwinkle snails: Often seen clinging to cordgrass, these small snails feed on algae and help regulate the growth of marsh vegetation.

Blue crabs: A staple of the Lowcountry seafood scene, blue crabs thrive in the brackish waters of the marsh.

Fiddler crabs: Recognizable by their oversized claws, these tiny crabs scuttle across the mudflats, digging burrows and playing a key role in the marsh ecosystem.

Shrimp: Essential to both the ecosystem and the local economy, these shrimp species (white, brown and pink) use the salt marsh as a nursery before heading out to deeper waters.

Reptiles & amphibians

Diamondback terrapin: A unique turtle species that thrives in the brackish waters of the salt marsh.

American alligator: Though more commonly associated with freshwater, alligators are often spotted in brackish marsh areas.

Green anoles: These small, color-changing lizards can be found clinging to marsh vegetation. 

Mammals

Otters: Playful and agile, river otters navigate the marsh creeks in search of fish and crustaceans.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphin: These intelligent marine mammals are often seen in the tidal creeks, sometimes engaging in “strand feeding,” a unique hunting behavior.

Marsh rice rat: A small nocturnal rodent that forages among the tall grasses.

Raccoons: Adaptable and opportunistic, raccoons forage for shellfish and other marsh delicacies.

Marsh rabbits: These salt marsh-dwelling rabbits are smaller than their woodland relatives, with darker fur that helps them blend into the reeds. 

Fish

Speckled trout: Often found in the creeks and estuaries, this game fish is prized for its striking spots and delicious flavor.

Redfish: A favorite of anglers, redfish rely on the marsh for food and shelter, especially in their juvenile stages.

Mullet: Frequently seen leaping out of the water, these fish are a primary food source for many marsh predators.

Flounder: Their flat bodies and camouflaged coloration allow them to blend into the marsh bottom while they ambush prey. LL