Hurricane Milton is set to strike Florida’s Gulf Coast late on Wednesday, rampaging through Central Florida before passing into the Atlantic.
Milton is expected to be a strong storm — potentially moving through Orlando at Category 2 — though threats could remain even after the hurricane leaves.
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), areas impacted by hurricanes can see a lot of activity from native animals.
The FWC lists out these animals along with some words of warning for each. That list is as follows:
ALLIGATORS
“Alligators may be observed more frequently in flooded areas after a hurricane or tropical storm.
As with all wildlife, treat alligators with respect, keep them at a distance and give them space. If you believe a specific alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
BEARS
“While communities are cleaning up after the storm, bears may take advantage of the easy access to food attractants awaiting pickup by waste service officials.
If you live in bear country in Florida, be aware of bears searching for food in your neighborhood. If spoiled food is included in post-hurricane debris, secure it separately from non-food debris.
Report any problems with bears or potential for human-bear conflict to FWC’s regional offices during business hours or after hours to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
BURROWING OWLS
“Heavy rains may force some burrowing owls to leave their burrows until water levels recede.
After the storm, you may see burrowing owls seeking shelter in unusual places, such as in the eaves of a house or perched on man-made structures. Please give these owls space, and they will return to their burrows on their own.
Whenever possible while recovering from the hurricane, please take care to avoid burrowing owls’ burrows when clearing debris, parking vehicles, staging materials or equipment, or repairing damaged structures.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
GOPHER TORTOISES
“Gopher tortoises generally inhabit high and dry habitats, but they may occur in coastal dunes or in areas that can flood during extreme weather events.
During storms, individual gopher tortoises may leave burrows in lower-lying areas and head for higher ground. Gopher tortoises may also seek shelter in their burrows during the storm, sticking their noses above water level or finding air pockets to breathe within a flooded burrow.
Tortoises and their burrows are protected under state law. This includes flooded and collapsed burrows. Tortoises may occupy collapsed burrows and can dig themselves out of naturally collapsed burrows. If avoidance of burrows by 25 feet during clean-up activities is not possible, please contact your Regional FWC Gopher Tortoise Biologist for assistance.
You can help a tortoise in immediate distress, such as moving a tortoise in water to drier ground, but only if it is safe for you to do so. Never take a gopher tortoise into your home or move it to a different location. If a tortoise appears injured or has not moved within 12 hours or longer, please contact your Regional FWC Gopher Tortoise Biologist. Please also contact the FWC if you find a gopher tortoise in an unusual location like mangroves or debris piles following a storm.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
MANATEES
“Manatees can become stranded or trapped during and after a hurricane or tropical storm.
Manatees stranded by storms may need immediate medical attention by wildlife experts. If you are aware of a stranded, trapped, injured or dead manatee, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Do not attempt to move a stranded manatee yourself. The FWC works collaboratively with the public and a network of partners to rescue, rehabilitate and conserve manatees.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
SEA TURTLES
“Sea turtles have a nesting strategy that accommodates natural storm events.
Female sea turtles deposit several nests throughout the nesting season, essentially hedging their bets to make sure that even if a hurricane or tropical storm hits during nesting season, there is a high probability at least a few of the nests will incubate successfully. No storm season is a total loss for Florida’s nesting sea turtles.
Never dig up sea turtle nests or collect sea turtle eggs that may be found on the beach after the storm. These efforts may have unintended consequences to the incubating eggs or hatchlings and rarely result in eggs hatching.
Contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC to let the FWC know the location of washed-back, sick or injured sea turtles so they may be recovered and receive appropriate care.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
SNAKES
“You are more likely to see snakes with higher water levels post-storm.
Most snakes you will encounter are likely to be nonvenomous and will be more scared of you than you are of them. If you see a snake, stay back. Snakes are not aggressive toward humans unless they feel threatened. They would much rather avoid encounters and will usually flee.
To avoid snake bites, leave snakes alone, stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick boots, and keep hands and feet out of areas you can’t see.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Wildlife and Storms"
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