As Hurricane Milton is set to rip through Florida, experts are warning residents about the possible increase in wildlife activity. This is what you should pay attention to.
Wildlife such as alligators, bears, snakes and manatees are among the animals listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that can be hit by storms.
The best way for people to stay safe, according to the FWC, is to stay alert and give wildlife space. They have also suggested that everyone should avoid helping or rescuing wildlife during or after a storm if it would put them at risk.
Severe weather can often displace and disorient wildlife due to high winds, and flooding can allow greater access to unusual areas.
Disorientation and stress caused by storms and hurricanes can often cause wildlife to behave differently and potentially more aggressively than their typical nature.
Gillette said, “They’re just going to go in the water… because of the hurricane, these guys are going to be underwater. That’s what they do in such bad weather: just sit downstairs and wait until the time comes.’
Christopher Gillette works at Bellowing Acres Sanctuary, a sanctuary for alligators and exotic animals, and has warned of the hidden dangers as storms rip through Florida.
Gillette has been preparing for the storm in the reserve and has pointed out that all kinds of wildlife will be displaced during this time.
He says this to warn anyone caught in the storm, or returning afterward, to be on the lookout for wildlife hiding or sheltering in areas where they don’t normally live.
Although they rarely attack humans; Alligators can become aggressive when stressed or provoked
Alligators have long inhabited Florida’s swamps, swamps, rivers and lakes and can be found in all 67 counties.
About 1.3 million alligators live in the state. Reports of alligators swimming through the streets of Sarasota after Hurricane Helene surfaced online as people across Florida jumped into the water.
Although they rarely attack humans; Alligators can become aggressive when stressed or provoked. Existing advice suggests that you should keep your distance from alligators at all times and never feed them.
Gillette said in a video on Instagram: “They’re just going into the water… because of the hurricane these guys are going to be underwater. That’s what they do in such bad weather: just sit downstairs and wait until the time comes.’
He explained that alligators can hold their breath for up to six hours, and once the storm passes, they float back up.
Gillette said in a video on Instagram: “They’re just going into the water… because of the hurricane these guys are going to be underwater. That’s what they do in such bad weather: just sit downstairs and wait until the time comes.’
As areas flood, alligators can be seen much more frequently. The FWC suggests keeping your distance and treating them with respect. If anyone believes an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
Bears across Florida may also benefit from easy access to food as post-storm cleanup efforts are underway and normal services have yet to resume.
The effects of hurricanes can lead to donations being left unattended, rotting food, and trash availability.
Securing attractants against bears includes adding hardware to existing trash cans to make them more resistant to bears and storing food scraps away from post-hurricane debris
Bears throughout Florida may also benefit from easy access to food as post-storm cleanup efforts are underway and normal services have yet to resume
Securing bear attractants includes adding hardware to existing trash cans to make them more resistant to bears and storing food scraps away from post-hurricane debris.
Windows and doors should be kept closed where possible, and experts recommend padlocking fridges and freezers and avoiding storing waste where it is easily accessible.
If anyone experiences any problems or encounters a possible human-bear conflict, they are advised to report to FWC Regional Offices or the FWC Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Only six of Florida’s 44 snake species are venomous, but because higher water levels increase the chance of seeing snakes, the FWC advises everyone to keep their distance from snakes at all times.
During storms, snakes can often be swept away by floodwaters or cause them to seek shelter in rubble, houses, sheds or barns.
Gillette warned that displaced snakes can often blend in with debris or be found washed up in unusual places. He tells people to “keep a close eye on it.”
During storms, snakes can often be swept away by flood waters or cause them to seek shelter in rubble, houses, sheds or barns
“Be aware that the storm will move a lot of snakes…there will also be venomous snakes moving. Watch your step, especially in that floodwater,” Gillette said
Hurricane Milton has been described as a ‘catastrophic’ and ‘hazardous’ event by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC)
Millions of Floridians are rushing to evacuate before the ‘storm of the century’ and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has warned those who stay that their homes will become their coffins
“Be aware that the storm will move a lot of snakes…there will also be venomous snakes moving. Watch your step, especially in that floodwater. “If you are cleaning up after the storm and picking up branches, be sure to pay attention to where you put your hands – watch out for snakes,” he added.
Snakes are not aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened, and usually prefer to avoid encounters. To best avoid snakes, the FWC suggests avoiding tall grass and keeping hands and feet out of areas you can’t see.
While displaced wildlife does not all pose a threat to human safety, it is important not to attempt to rescue or assist injured, orphaned, or dead animals during or after storms if they endanger you.
After a storm, you may encounter small animals that appear orphaned, abandoned, or injured.
The FWC has said it is very rare for an animal to be orphaned and is urging people not to pick up baby animals or remove them from their natural environment but to contact the nearest FWC regional office.
Manatees can often wash up and become stranded after storms. The FWC is urging people not to try to help for any reason, but to contact wildlife experts as they may need urgent medical attention. Call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Gillette emphasized that Florida’s wildlife is also about to experience a catastrophic hurricane. “Try to have compassion for the wildlife that is caught in the storm at the same time.”
Hurricane Milton has been described by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) as a ‘catastrophic’ and ‘hazardous’ event, placing it at the highest level of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale.
Milton comes just two weeks after Florida felt the effects of Hurricane Helene, a category four storm that killed an estimated 230 people.
Millions of Floridians are rushing to evacuate before the ‘storm of the century’ and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has warned those who stay that their homes will become their coffins.
The storm center is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening in the Tampa Bay area, which has not suffered a direct hit from a major hurricane in more than a century.