Wildlife may be easier to spot after a major storm, particularly in flooded areas, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The agency advises people to keep their distance and allow animals room to move. Alligators and snakes may be seen more often after storms; concerns involving an alligator can be reported to the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
Rough weather can strand manatees or wash sea turtle hatchlings ashore. The FWC asks people to report stranded, injured or dead manatees, as well as hatchlings tangled in seaweed or found somewhere they do not belong, to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
For bears, the agency recommends securing food that could attract them. Spoiled food in storm debris should be kept separate from other debris. Bear conflicts can be reported to FWC regional offices during business hours or to the Wildlife Alert Hotline after hours at 888-404-3922.
