In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida residents returning to their homes are being greeted by an unsettling sight: alligators and snakes. These reptiles, pushed from their natural habitats by storm surges and floodwaters, have made their way into residential neighborhoods, posing a serious threat to those who venture into dark, murky waters.
A New Hazard in Post-Hurricane Florida
As residents survey the damage left behind by Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, wildlife experts are issuing stark warnings. Floodwaters, particularly those left stagnant after the hurricanes, are becoming temporary homes for displaced alligators and snakes. These dangerous animals, normally confined to ponds and wetlands, are now wandering through streets and even inside homes. Rene Walker, from Tampa Bay Rescues, explained that the floodwaters have driven wildlife out of their usual habitats. “They’re going with the flow,” she said, emphasizing that these creatures are simply trying to survive in an unfamiliar environment.
A Call for Caution
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn locals: “Some wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, and bears are more likely to be seen after a storm. Be aware, keep your distance, and give all wild animals space.” Walker echoed this sentiment, urging residents to exercise extreme caution around dark floodwaters. “I would absolutely be concerned about what’s out there. I would not go in dark water,” she said, noting that while alligators don’t typically seek out human interaction, they can be highly dangerous if threatened. “They will snap at you if you try to grab them,” she warned.
Wildlife in Your Living Room
For some residents, the danger has already hit close to home—quite literally. Jen Messer, who lives in the Tampa area, returned to her house after the storm to find an alligator crawling around her home gym. “He made a trip over the treadmill, got his cardio in for a second, and then he meandered out underneath my truck,” Messer recounted. Although Messer and her husband eventually managed to guide the gator back to a nearby pond, the encounter was far from peaceful. The animal took a bite out of their broom in protest, reminding them just how wild and unpredictable these creatures can be. “It was a wild day,” Messer said.
A Surge of Snakes
Alligators aren’t the only reptiles turning up in unexpected places. Snakes, too, have been spotted slithering through flooded neighborhoods. With the water levels still high and debris scattered across the area, these animals can easily blend in, making them particularly dangerous for those trying to navigate their way through the post-storm chaos.
Stay Alert and Stay Safe
As Florida continues to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, residents are reminded to stay vigilant. Floodwaters can conceal dangerous wildlife, and the aftermath of these storms has shown that the risk is real. Experts advise avoiding wading through murky water whenever possible and maintaining a safe distance from any wildlife spotted in the area. While the immediate threats of wind and rain may have passed, the hidden dangers left behind by these powerful storms serve as a reminder that nature is unpredictable and often far too close for comfort.
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