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Collier County Sheriff’s Office
- Hurricane Helene caused significant displacement of alligators, turtles, and various wildlife across Florida.
- Severe storms frequently displace wildlife from their natural habitats due to flooding.
- If an alligator is spotted, it is crucial to maintain distance and contact authorities if it poses any danger.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has led to Florida’s alligators, turtles, and even sharks venturing into unfamiliar territories.
On September 27th, a drone operated by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office captured footage of an alligator drifting near San Marco Road in Southwest Florida. This was reported by
ABC-affiliate WZVN.
It is well-documented that large storms can shift wildlife away from their usual environments due to flooding conditions.
“Following hurricanes or tropical storms, it’s common to see increased sightings of alligators in flooded regions adjacent to marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes,” stated Lauren Claerbout from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in an email correspondence with Business Insider.
Florida in 2022.
REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
If you encounter an alligator during such times, do not approach it. “To ensure safety for both people and wildlife during storm conditions,
it’s essential to remain vigilant while giving animals ample space,” Claerbout advised.
Displaced Alligators: Not Always Dangerous
Past hurricanes have seen instances where alligators appeared unexpectedly in
backyards
and even on
golf courses.
In fact, Floridians often find themselves encountering gators even during pleasant weather. However,
the murky waters resulting from floods can make these reptiles harder to spot.
While caution is advised when encountering them,
Claerbout noted that since Hurricane Helene’s impact began there have been no reports of gator bites received by FWC. “Serious injuries inflicted by gators are quite rare here,” she added. Furthermore,
research conducted at the University of Florida indicates that hurricanes do not lead to a rise in gator attacks.
(Source: University of Florida)(Source: University of Florida).
.
Interestingly enough, it’s often the gators who face greater risks post-hurricane. In rural areas like Taylor and Levy counties, if a gator appears within someone’s yard, ”it could very well end up as dinner,” remarked Levy County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Tummond during his conversation with BI..
The Movements Of Alligators Before Storms And The Fate Of Displaced Ones
alligators amidst floodwaters during Hurricane Harvey back in 2017 at Seadrift , Texas .
REUTERS/Rick Wilking
When severe weather approaches , it has been observed that these reptiles can detect shifts within atmospheric pressure . “As a hurricane nears , they typically prepare themselves for sheltering,” explained Justin R.Dalaba along with Frank J.Mazzotti from the University OfFlorida.
However , prior ToHurricaneHelene’s arrival , one adventurous gator was seen wandering through neighborhoods around Lakeland northeast Tampa ; this particular reptile became bold enough walk right up towards someone’s front door accordingto reportsfrom The Miami Herald.
Although trappers may remove some visible reptiles upon request when deemed necessary ; generally speaking they only intervene if notified about potential nuisances .
“Analligatoris usually considered problematic once its length exceeds four feet while posing threats towards individuals or pets,” Claerbout elaborated further.
Once removed by trappers , these creatures might be processed for their hides/meat but others may also be sold alive either directly into farms/zoo facilities depending upon circumstances surrounding each case . Additionally under state regulations regarding nuisance management programs smaller than four-foot long specimens will undergo assessments determining whether relocation would be appropriate .
Not Just Alligatos Were Affected By Flooding From Hurrican Helene
< figure >< img src =' https :// i . insider . com / 6700605 c198738 e3 a70 e82 fe ? format = jpeg '
height ='1500 '
width ='2000 '
alt =' Workers assisting Fish & Wildlife stand beside stranded manatee near airport '/ >< figcaption >After experiencing flooding caused by hurricane helen ; rescuers helped relocate stranded manatees found at MacDill Air Force Base .
Displacedalligatosarecommonoccurrencesfollowingstormsbutanotherunexpected sighting occurred recently when residents discovered young bull shark swimming around ponds located Lakes Park over weekend.Bullsharksareuniqueinthattheycanadaptto both freshwaterandsaltwaterenvironments.
Whileitremainsunclearifthestormwasresponsibleforitsappearance,LakesParkdidexperiencefloodingduringHelene’spassage.SusannahCogburn,a graduate student studying sharks atFloridaGulfCoastUniversitynotedthatiftheyoungsharkhadbeennavigatingthroughnearbycreeks,itcouldhave inadvertently endedupinthelakeasaftermathoftheflood.
Aslongasitmanagesfindingadequatefoodsources,Cogburnassuredthatthisparticularsharkshouldremainhealthy.”Givenitscurrentstatus as beingtheonly shark present within lake environment,itappears likely there willbe sufficient food availablefor sustenance”,she commented further .
Additionally,Fish&WildlifeConservationalsoreportedrescuingamanateethatwasstrandednearTampa’sMacDillAirForceBaseonSeptember28th.
ResidentsconcernedaboutanimalsindistressmaycontactWildlifeAlertHotlineat88840439222.
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