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Announcements: State Road 24 in western Alachua County to be resurfaced beginning Monday
July 21st, 2012

Announcements: Benefit for Jarrod Beckham
July 21st, 2012

Announcements: Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge Openhouse Set for July 28th
July 18th, 2012

Announcements: Join the Ranger for Discovery Day Camp
July 16th, 2012

Announcements: GOVERNOR SCOTT ACTIVATES EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORM DEBBY
July 14th, 2012

Announcements: Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges - Group Kayak and Picnic Event
July 14th, 2012

Announcements: One of our own is being featured as a Celebrity Chef with VISIT FLORIDA.
July 13th, 2012

Announcements: FWC lifts restrictions on Zone 4 of Suwannee River
July 12th, 2012

Announcements: Lower Suwannee Refuge Hire Four Youth Conservation Corps
July 12th, 2012

Announcements: Call FWC for issues with alligators
July 12th, 2012

Announcements: Clam Farmers Return from Washington DC Visit
July 11th, 2012

Announcements: Cedar Key Lions Pitch in to Distribute Safe Water.
July 9th, 2012

Announcements: 2 bowhunting classes offered
July 7th, 2012

Announcements: Urgent Care Dental Bus in Cedar Key
July 6th, 2012

Announcements: Do You Have Questions About Medicare?
July 5th, 2012

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Flood waters can displace wildlife

Flood waters can displace wildlife

Karen Parker

The rising water levels caused by Tropical Storm Debby are forcing many critters to find higher ground. Snakes, alligators and fire ants top the list of displaced wildlife.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) cautions the public that snakes can be on the move as they flee flooded areas.

"When you are out in your yard, especially if you have standing water, be focused on your surroundings and be on the lookout for snakes," said Eric Dennis, FWC biologist.

The FWC has information about the various snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, that live in Florida. Check out the Living with Snakes area of MyFWC.com.

"Alligators can also be on the move with the rising water," Dennis said.
If you see alligator somewhere it shouldn`t be, don`t attempt to move it or grab it. Call the FWC`s Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). The FWC brochure "A Guide to Living with Alligators" has plenty of helpful advice. It is available for download at MyFWC.com/Alligator.

"Although the FWC doesn`t handle insects, another problem that may be encountered is floating mounds of fire ants that are also attempting to avoid the rising waters," Dennis said. "I`ve seen this in past floods, and you definitely don`t want to get near them. The entire colony of ants abandons their mound when floods arrive. They then bind together into a ball that floats until the ants drift to higher ground."

Displaced wildlife can be seen during unusual times of day and in unusual places, such as a residential area.

"If you do see an animal in your yard, the best course of action is to leave it alone. Don`t approach it. Don`t try to feed it. The animal is not trying to relocate to your property; it`s most likely using your property as a corridor to find a new, drier place to live," Dennis said.

Dennis also said it`s important that nothing is left out around the property that could inadvertently attract wildlife. Attractants include trash cans, unsecure pet food and pet food dishes, barbecue grills, wildlife feeders for birds or squirrels, and compost piles for food scraps. Secure these items so wildlife does not have access to them.

"If you see an animal that is hurt, don`t approach it. The animal could respond badly to your kindness and end up hurting its would-be rescuer. If it isn`t hurt, it may be stressed from the changes in its environment and still strike out, even if you`re attempting to help it. Remember it`s a wild animal," Dennis said.

If you see something really out of the ordinary, you can always report it to Wildlife Alert at 888-404-3922.

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