As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, experts are warning residents about potential increased wildlife activity — here's what to watch for.
Wildlife such as alligators, bears, snakes or manatees are among the animals listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that could be affected by storms.
The best way for people to stay safe, according to the FWC, is to stay alert and give wildlife space. They also suggested that anyone avoid helping or rescuing wild animals during or after a storm if doing so puts them in danger.
Severe weather conditions can often displace and disorient wildlife due to strong winds, and flooding can allow more 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 into the water…during the hurricane, these guys will be underwater. That's what they do when the weather is bad like this: they just sit in the back and wait.
Christopher Gillette works at Bellowing Acres Sanctuary, an alligator and exotic animal sanctuary, and warned of hidden dangers as storms ravage Florida.
Gillette is preparing for the storm in the sanctuary and highlighted 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 any wildlife hiding or sheltering in areas they don't normally inhabit.
Although they rarely attack humans; Crocodiles can become aggressive if stressed or provoked
Alligators have long inhabited Florida's swamps, marshes, rivers and lakes and are found in all 67 counties.
Around 1.3 million crocodiles inhabit the state. Reports of alligators swimming through the streets of Sarasota after Hurricane Helene surfaced online, while people jumped into the water across Florida.
Although they rarely attack humans; Crocodiles can become aggressive if stressed or provoked. Existing advice suggests always keeping your distance from crocodiles and never feeding them.
Gillette said in an Instagram video: 'They just go into the water… during the hurricane, these guys will be underwater. That's what they do when the weather is bad like this: they just sit in the back and wait.
He explained that crocodiles 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 an Instagram video: 'They just go into the water… during the hurricane, these guys will be underwater. That's what they do when the weather is bad like this: they just sit in the back and wait.
As areas become flooded, crocodiles can be seen much more frequently. The FWC suggests keeping your distance and treating them with respect. If a person believes that any alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
Bears throughout Florida can also take advantage of easy access to food, as post-storm cleanup is underway and normal services have not yet resumed.
Impacts from hurricanes can lead to unattended donation deliveries, rotting food, and the availability of trash.
Protecting bear attractants includes adding hardware to existing trash cans to make them more bear-resistant and storing any leftover food away from post-hurricane debris.
Bears throughout 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 any leftover food away from post-hurricane debris.
Windows and doors should remain closed whenever possible, and experts suggest padlocking refrigerators and freezers and preventing trash from being stored in easily accessible places.
If anyone encounters problems or potential bear-human conflict, it is advised to report it to FWC regional offices or the FWC Warning Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Only six of Florida's 44 snake species are venomous, but because higher water levels increase the chances of seeing snakes, the FWC advises anyone to stay away from snakes at any time.
During storms, snakes can often be carried away by floodwaters or caused to seek shelter in rubble, houses, sheds or barns.
Gillette warned that displaced snakes can often blend into the rubble or be found in unusual places. He tells people to 'keep a close eye'.
During storms, snakes can often be carried away by floodwaters or caused to seek shelter in rubble, houses, sheds or barns.
'Keep in mind that the storm will cause a lot of snakes to move around… there will be poisonous snakes too. Be careful where you step, especially in these floods,” Gillette said.
Hurricane Milton was described by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), which described Milton as 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 warned those who stay that their homes will become their coffins.
'Keep in mind that the storm will cause a lot of snakes to move around… there will be poisonous snakes too. Be careful where you step, especially in floods. If you are cleaning up after the storm, picking up branches, watch where you put your hands – watch out for 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.
While not all displaced wildlife pose a threat to the safety of humans, it is important not to attempt to rescue or help injured, orphaned, or dead animals during or after storms if doing so would put you in danger.
After a storm, you may find small animals that appear to be orphaned, abandoned, or injured.
The FWC stated that it is very rare for any animal to be 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 wash up and 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 care. Call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Gillette emphasized that wildlife throughout Florida is also about to suffer from a catastrophic hurricane, he said: “Try to be compassionate to the wildlife that also gets caught up in the storm at the same time.”
Hurricane Milton was described by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), which described Milton as a 'catastrophic' and 'dangerous' 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 warned those who stay 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 directly hit by a major hurricane in more than a century.
