The Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Wednesday, October 9, left a high death toll and even more disasters, but it has also triggered another alarming fact: alligators and snakes have started to invade inhabited areas due to the floods caused by the overwhelming phenomenon.
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Residents of the areas most affected by the hurricane, such as Siesta Key, south of Tampa Bay, have found reptiles in hallways and snakes on the streets of their neighborhoods.
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The animals moved to populated areas due to the floods caused by Milton.
"The flood pulled them out of their swamps, obviously. They are going with the current," said Rene Walker to NBC News, a member of Tampa Bay Rescues, an organization dedicated to animal rescue and conservation.
Walker also warned that one must be careful where they walk. "I would be very attentive to what is out there. I would avoid entering dark waters. I would be extremely careful," he warned, also explaining that the lizards do not want to be near people but if someone tries to grab them, they would attack.
On social media X, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warned right after the hurricane made landfall that: "some animals, such as lizards, snakes, and bears, may be seen much more often after a storm. Pay attention, keep your distance, and give space to wild animals."
Last week, a video captured by a resident of North Fort Myers went viral, showing an alligator opening a car door and biting one of its tires. The incident was reported by WLWT, an NBC affiliate channel, and reflects this complex situation that has intensified as the state struggles to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton.