Florida Wildlife Commission Urges Caution After Major Storms
Following major storms, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises residents to maintain distance from wildlife, which may be more visible, especially in flooded areas. The commission offers specific guidance for encounters with alligators, snakes, manatees, sea turtles, and…
Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, October 10, 2026 —
Following recent major storms across the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is advising residents to exercise caution and maintain distance from wildlife. The commission notes that storms can displace animals and make them more visible, particularly in flooded or altered natural environments.
The FWC has issued specific guidance for interacting with several types of wildlife:
- Alligators and Snakes: Residents are reminded to keep a safe distance and never feed or approach these animals. Increased water levels can push them into residential areas.
- Manatees and Sea Turtles: With potential changes to coastal and inland waterways, the FWC urges boaters and shoreline visitors to be aware of manatees and sea turtles, avoiding disturbance.
- Bears: Bears may be more active or visible as they search for food and shelter after storms. Securing garbage and removing potential food sources from yards is recommended to prevent attracting them to residential areas.
The commission emphasizes that most wildlife encounters do not require intervention, but provides contact information for reporting injured, orphaned, or nuisance wildlife that poses a threat.
The FWC’s guidance aims to ensure public safety and protect Florida’s diverse wildlife populations during periods of environmental disruption. Residents are encouraged to observe wildlife from a distance and to report any significant concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Story summarized from the original created by Mia Hernandez, Gray News staff on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.
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