AUSTIN — Floodwaters are beginning to recede across much of central and east Texas, and property owners may encounter wild animals in unexpected places. Floodwaters can temporarily force wildlife such as snakes, armadillos, skunks, and raccoons into your yard or home in search of shelter or higher ground.
Common sense precautions should be practiced. Be aware that snakes and other animals may take shelter in the debris pile, and use caution during cleanup operations.
Although a wide variety of wild animals are known to encounter humans throughout the year in the state, regardless of weather conditions, the presence of wild animals is likely to increase in areas affected by recent floods. There is.
Coincidentally, these storms coincided with newborn wildlife beginning to appear on the landscape. The urge to help or investigate an animal that appears abandoned is overwhelming, but interfering with it can damage the animal's chances of survival. Although most of these animals are picked up by well-intentioned people, it is important to recognize that many such human-animal encounters are unnecessary and even harmful to the wildlife involved.
While emergency rescue operations are underway, wildlife experts urge the public to focus on rescuing people and reporting dangerous situations in their neighborhoods, rather than reporting displaced wild animals. There is. Dispatch teams and hotlines are being used to coordinate emergency responders. Wild animals, on the other hand, are naturally equipped to take care of themselves in most situations.
Tips and precautions for wildlife encounters are available on the following webpages:
