Wildlife species will seek higher ground and displaced into habitat with which they may not be familiar. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) urges the public to be especially mindful of wildlife forced into populated areas by floodwater from the storm.
Rising waters force wildlife from flooded habitat into adjacent residential and commercial areas where they may come into contact with residents. LDWF urges citizens to minimize contact with animals while they seek temporary refuge from their flooded home range.
Wild animals not posing a threat to humans should be left alone. Feeding wild animals will encourage those animals to remain in the vicinity of a new food source when they should be allowed to find natural habitat and food sources on their own.
Basic Tips:
* Avoid areas where displaced wildlife has taken refuge.
* Avoid interaction with and do not feed displaced wildlife.
* Avoid roadways near flooded areas to reduce the likelihood of disturbance and collisions with wildlife.
Species of Concern:
Black Bears: The Louisiana black bear is a species of concern during a flood incident when high water moves bear out of their habitat. For assistance with black bears that may be forced into populated areas by floodwaters, call 1-337-262-2080.
Alligators, Snakes: Floodwaters will carry reptiles into populated areas. Following the impact of floodwaters, exercise extreme caution when salvaging possessions from flooded areas. Wildlife, especially reptiles, may remain in flooded areas and pose a safety threat.
Venomous snake species in Louisiana include the canebrake rattlesnake, the copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the harlequin coral snake, the pygmy rattlesnake, and the Texas coral snake.
