Dealing With Wildlife and Pets During Floods

If you have pets or wildlife around your home, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your animals’ safety during a flood. If you have a snake or other animal in your home, you should take measures to prevent their disease transmission. Also, keep food and water accessible for your animals. In the event that you can’t keep them in a safe room, it’s best to seek help from a wildlife rescuer. They will know how to contain the animal and help them get food and liquids.

Snakes can spread disease

Snakes are a common sight during floods, but not all of them are dangerous. Many are harmless and are beneficial to the ecosystem. They can be found swimming in the water or hidden under debris, and it is important to be cautious when approaching snakes. The CDC recommends backing away slowly when encountering snakes.

Larger animals can be a hazard during floods, as they can move to higher ground and cause conflict with humans. Larger snakes can be dangerous around poultry houses, and can steal chicken eggs. Most of the time, snakes do not pose a risk to humans, but they can affect pets and wildlife. Snakes are not aggressive to humans, but their fear of them is a contributing factor to real conflict.

Snakes can also infest homes. They can enter through small holes, such as cracks in masonry foundations. However, you can use a fine-mesh hardware cloth or sheet metal to seal off these areas. You must also keep the area around the house clean and clear of debris, as it attracts snakes.

Animals seek safety in trees

Animals seek safety in trees during floods for a variety of reasons. Many animals can sense the coming of bad weather, from changes in barometric pressure to changes in air quality. When they sense these changes, they instinctively head for higher ground. Birds, meanwhile, can sense a drop in barometric pressure and feel vibrations in the air. This ability to detect bad weather allows animals to quickly move to higher ground and stay safe during bad weather. For instance, North Carolina’s wild horses have survived for centuries by making their way to higher ground.

Many animals that cannot swim have difficulty surviving during floods. Some species, like the eastern brown snake, are expert climbers and will seek safety in a tree if they can. Other animals, like spiders, use balloon-like webs to initiate a wind-driven lift-off.

Food and water for pets

Keeping food and water for pets and wildlife during floods is crucial. During floods, wild animals seek out higher ground, which is often submerged. These animals may need to be evacuated and food and water should be readily available. A good plan includes having an emergency kit, including food, bedding, and water for animals. You can also leave food and water for your pet in a high room where it can stay dry.

Native animals affected by floods may be temporarily homeless, and may need a short-term shelter to dry out. Waterlogged animals may also be more vulnerable to predators. If you notice a distressed animal, immediately contact a licensed wildlife rescue provider. In addition, you should seek the permission of a local wildlife care provider before providing food and water to any animal.

Animal shelters can become overwhelmed and may not be able to care for animals during a disaster. Be sure to have emergency supplies ready for your pets, such as pet food and water, leashes and carriers, and current photos of your pets. It’s also a good idea to carry a list of veterinarians and boarding facilities in case your pets need emergency medical attention.

Evacuation strategies

Whenever possible, evacuate your pets and wildlife to higher ground. Animals need shelter, as well as food and water. If you are unable to evacuate them, you can make contingency plans in advance and make sure that your animals are properly identified. In addition, it is vital that you keep in close contact with local authorities and neighbours.

The state of Louisiana has passed legislation requiring pet owners to create evacuation plans. These plans should include details on how to care for pets during floods and provide guidance on the best way to evacuate your pet. In addition, the state has implemented a public information program that teaches pet owners how to prepare an evacuation plan and offers information on resources.

Natural disasters are scary for everyone, but they can be especially frightening for pets. If you leave them behind, they can get in danger and even be lost. To avoid leaving them behind during a disaster, be sure to microchip them and practice using pet carriers. Even more, make an emergency plan for how to care for them during evacuation.