Florida's alligators, turtles, and even sharks are finding themselves in new territory in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Large storms have been known to move wildlife away from their typical habitats, especially when there's flooding. Alligators may be observed more frequently in flooded areas near marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes after a hurricane or tropical storm, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Residents are reminded not to approach displaced alligators.
The best way people can stay safe and help wildlife under storm conditions is to be alert and give wildlife their space. While people should be cautious, the FWC hasn't received any reports of alligator bites since Helene made landfall. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. In fact, research from the University of Florida suggests hurricanes don't increase alligator attacks.
In rural regions of Florida, if a gator turns up in someone's backyard, it'll likely get invited to dinner and be the main course. This highlights the ironic risk to displaced gators after storms, particularly in areas where local residents might not see them as predators but as potential meals.
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