As Hurricane Milton ravages Florida, experts are warning residents about possible increased wildlife activity — here’s what to watch out for.
Wildlife such as alligators, bears, snakes or manatees are among the animals listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that may be affected by storms.
The best way for people to stay safe, according to the FWC, is to stay alert and give wildlife their space. They have also suggested that anyone avoid helping or rescuing wildlife during or after a storm if it would put them in danger.
Severe weather conditions can often displace and disorient wildlife due to strong winds, and flooding can allow greater access to unusual areas.
Disorientation and stress caused by storms and hurricanes can often lead wildlife to act differently and potentially more aggressively than their typical nature.
Gillette said: ‘They just go in the water… during the hurricane, these guys will be underwater. That’s what they do in bad weather conditions like this: just sit on the bottom and wait it out.
Christopher Gillette works at Bellowing Acres Sanctuary, an alligator and exotic animal sanctuary, and has warned of hidden dangers as storms hit Florida.
Gillette has been preparing for the storm in the sanctuary and noted that during this time all types of wildlife will be displaced.
He says this to warn anyone caught in the storms, or returning afterward, to be wary of wildlife hiding or sheltering in areas they don’t normally inhabit.
Although they rarely attack humans; Alligators can become aggressive if stressed or provoked.
Alligators have long inhabited Florida’s swamps, swamps, rivers and lakes and are found in all 67 counties.
About 1.3 million alligators inhabit the state. Reports of alligators swimming through the streets of Sarasota after Hurricane Helene appeared online, as people jumped into the water across Florida.
Although they rarely attack humans; Alligators can become aggressive if stressed or provoked. Existing advice suggests staying away from alligators at all times and never feeding them.
Gillette said in a video on Instagram: “They just go in the water…during the hurricane, these guys are going to be underwater.” That’s what they do in bad weather conditions like this: just sit on the bottom and wait it out.
He explained that alligators can hold their breath for up to six hours at a time, and once the storm passes they will begin to resurface.
Gillette said in a video on Instagram: “They just go in the water…during the hurricane, these guys are going to be underwater.” That’s what they do in bad weather conditions like this: just sit on the bottom and wait it out.
As areas flood, alligators may be seen much more frequently; The FWC suggests keeping your distance and treating them with respect. If a person believes an alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
Bears across Florida can also take advantage of easy access to food, as post-storm cleanup is underway and normal services have not yet resumed.
Hurricane impacts can lead to unattended donation deliveries, rotting food, and availability of trash.
Protecting bear attractants includes adding hardware to existing trash cans to make them more bear-resistant and storing food scraps away from post-hurricane debris.
Bears across Florida can also take advantage of easy access to food, as post-storm cleanup is underway and normal services have not yet resumed.
Protecting bear attractants includes adding hardware to existing trash cans to make them more bear-resistant and storing food scraps away from post-hurricane debris.
Windows and doors should remain closed whenever possible, and experts suggest locking refrigerators and freezers and preventing trash from being stored in an easily accessible location.
If anyone encounters problems or possible conflict between humans and bears, they are encouraged to report them to FWC regional offices or the FWC Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Only six of Florida’s 44 species of snakes are venomous, but because higher water levels increase the chances of seeing snakes, the FWC recommends everyone stay away from snakes at all times.
During storms, snakes can often be swept away by flood waters or caused to seek shelter in debris, houses, sheds or barns.
Gillette warned that snakes that are displaced can often get mixed up in debris or be found washed up at sea in unusual places. He tells people to “stay tuned.”
During storms, snakes can often be swept away by flood waters or caused to seek shelter in debris, houses, sheds or barns.
‘Keep in mind that the storm is going to send a lot of snakes on the move…there will also be venomous snakes on the move. Watch your step, especially in those floods,” Gillette said.
Hurricane Milton has been rated by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) calling Milton a “catastrophic” and “dangerous” event.
Millions of Florida residents are rushing to evacuate ahead of the ‘storm of the century’ and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has warned those who stay that their homes will become their coffins.
‘Keep in mind that the storm is going to send a lot of snakes on the move…there will also be venomous snakes on the move. Watch your step, especially in those floods. “If you’re cleaning up after the storm, picking up branches, definitely watch where you put your hands, be careful of snakes,” he added.
Snakes are not aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened and generally prefer to avoid encounters. To best avoid snakes, the FWC suggests avoiding tall grass and keeping your hands and feet out of areas you can’t see.
Displaced wildlife, while 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 it will put you in danger.
After a storm, you may come across small animals that appear orphaned, abandoned, or injured.
The FWC has said it is very rare for an animal to become orphaned and urges 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 become stranded after storms, the FWC urges people not to try to help for any reason but to contact wildlife experts as they may need urgent medical attention. Call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Gillette emphasized that wildlife across Florida is also about to experience a catastrophic hurricane, saying, “Try to be compassionate to the wildlife that also gets caught in the storm at the same time.”
Hurricane Milton has been classified by the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) as a “catastrophic” and “hazardous” event, placing it at the highest level on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale.
Milton arrived just two weeks after Florida felt the effects of Hurricane Helene, a category four storm that killed about 230 people.
Millions of Florida residents are rushing to evacuate ahead of the “storm of the century” and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has warned those who remain that their homes will become their coffins.
The center of the storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday night in the Tampa Bay area, which has not been hit directly by a major hurricane in more than a century.