Flooding in South Florida has driven snakes into neighborhoods, with wildlife trappers saying calls have tripled as heavy rain pushes the animals from their habitats.
Here's what to know
Trapper Jay of Treasure Coast Wildlife Trappers said he has removed nearly 50 snakes over the last month, according to WPBF, including venomous species such as rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and coral snakes.
Sightings are turning up in developed areas, not just along canals or in brush. For residents, that can mean suddenly spotting one near entryways, patios, or other places where children and pets spend time.
"A lot of times in neighborhoods, it's people's houses. Whether it's in the garage, outside the house, in the house," Trapper Jay said.
One call came from a veterinary clinic, where a rattlesnake had settled just outside the building.
"The water levels are bringing them up; it's bringing them out of their holes and all that. They want to stay dry, so they've been coming up to more elevated areas," Trapper Jay said.
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More background
During South Florida flooding, a garage slab, a house foundation, or the edge of a commercial property can become the kind of dry, elevated ground a displaced snake is looking for.
Venomous snakes can turn everyday routines into points of contact. A resident opening a garage, walking a dog, or heading into a yard after rain may be more likely to encounter an animal that is stressed, displaced, and trying to stay above water.
WPBF reported that snake activity is expected to ease as rain lets up and temperatures cool, with the spike tied to weather conditions rather than a permanent shift in behavior.
What can be done?
Residents should avoid trying to kill a snake or handling one themselves. If one appears at a home or business, Jay said the safest step is to call a trapper and let the professionals handle it, especially with the venomous types of snakes being found.
Jay said, "Make sure you don't kill these because they're not only beautiful but again, they provide such an important part of the ecosystem."
Where can I learn more?
Snakes are ending up in developed areas and triggering more removal calls across the country.
• In Florida, firefighters responded as invasive Burmese pythons turned up inside residents' homes.
• Across the Mid-South, snake-related calls rose 50% as snakes slipped indoors.
• Florida scientists gathered critical new data that could improve Burmese python eradication.
• In southwest Florida, biologists used "scout" pythons to remove 8,080 pounds of snakes.
• In Arkansas, viral videos showed snakes taking over a vacant home.
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