As Hurricane Milton is set to rage through Florida, experts are warning residents of the potential increase in wildlife activity - heres what to look out for.
Wildlife such as alligators, bears, snakes, or manatees are among the animals listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that may become affected by storms.
The best way for people to stay safe, according to the FWC, is to stay alert and give wildlife their space. They have also suggested anyone avoid helping or rescuing wildlife during or after a storm if it would put them in danger.
Severe weather conditions can often displace and disorient wildlife, due to high winds, and flooding can allow more access to unusual areas.
Disorientation and stress caused by storms and hurricanes can often lead wildlife to act differently and potentially more aggressively than their typical nature.
Gillette said: They just go in the water... through the hurricane these guys will be underwater. Thats what they do in inclement weather like that - just sit at the bottom and wait it out.
Christopher Gillette works at Bellowing Acres Sanctuary, an alligator and exotic animal sanctuary, and has warned of the hidden dangers as storms rage across Florida.
Gillette has been preparing for the storm at the sanctuary and pointed out that during this time all kinds of wildlife will be displaced.
He says this to warn anyone caught in the storms, or returning afterwards, to be wary of any wildlife hiding or taking shelter in areas they may usually not inhabit.
Although they rarely attack humans; Alligators can become aggressive if stressed or provoked
Alligators have inhabited Floridas marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for a long time and are found in all 67 counties.
Some 1.3 million alligators inhabit the state. Reports of alligators swimming through the Sarasota streets following Hurricane Helene surfaced online, while people were jumping into the water across Florida.
Although they rarely attack humans; Alligators can become aggressive if stressed or provoked. Existing advice suggests keeping your distance from alligators at all times, and to never feed them.
Gillette said in a video on Instagram: They just go in the water... through the hurricane these guys will be underwater. Thats what they do in inclement weather like that - just sit at the bottom and wait it out.
He explained that alligators can hold their breath for up to six hours at a time, and once the storm has passed, they will begin to resurface.
Gillette said in a video on Instagram: They just go in the water... through the hurricane these guys will be underwater. Thats what they do in inclement weather like that - just sit at the bottom and wait it out.
As areas flood, alligators may be seen much more frequently, the FWC suggests keeping your distance and treating them with respect. If a person believes any alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the FWC Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
Bears across Florida may also take advantage of easy access to food as cleanup post-storm is underway, and normal services are yet to resume.
Impacts from hurricanes can lead to unattended donation drop-offs, rotting food and availability of trash.
Securing attractants from bears includes adding hardware to existing trashcans to make them more bear-resistant and storing any food debris away from post hurricane debris
Bears across Florida may also take advantage of easy access to food as cleanup post-storm is underway, and normal services are yet to resume
Securing attractants from bears includes adding hardware to existing trashcans to make them more bear-resistant and storing any food debris away from post hurricane debris.
Windows and doors should remain closed where possible, and experts suggest padlocking refrigerators and freezers and keeping garbage from being stored where its easily accessible.
Should any person encounter problems or potential human-bear conflict, they are advised to report to FWCs regional offices or the FWC Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Only six of Floridas 44 snake species are venomous but, as higher water levels increase your chances of seeing snakes, the FWC advises anyone to keep your distance from snakes at any time.
During storms, snakes can often be carried by flooding waters or cause them to seek shelter in debris, homes, sheds or barns.
Gillette warned that snakes who are displaced can often blend in among the debris or be found washed up in unusual places. He tells people to keep a sharp eye.
During storms, snakes can often be carried by flooding waters or cause them to seek shelter in debris, homes, sheds or barns
Keep in mind that the storm is going to send a lot of snakes on the move... there will be venomous snakes on the move as well. Watch your step, especially in those floodwaters, said Gillette
Hurricane Milton has been described by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) described Milton as a catastrophic and dangerous event
Millions of Florida residents are racing to evacuate before the storm of the century and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has warned those who stay that their homes will become their coffins
Keep in mind that the storm is going to send a lot of snakes on the move... there will be venomous snakes on the move as well. Watch your step, especially in those floodwaters. If youre doing your clean up after the storm, picking up branches, definitely watch where you put your hands - watch for snakes, he added.
Snakes are not aggressive toward humans unless they feel threatened, and usually would much rather avoid encounters. To best avoid snakes, the FWC suggests avoiding tall grass and keeping hands and feet out of areas you cant see.
Displaced wildlife, although not all pose a threat to humans safety, it is important to not attempt to rescue or help injured, orphaned or dead animals during or after storms if it endangers you.
After a storm, you may encounter small animals that seem orphaned, abandoned or injured.
The FWC has said that it is very rare that any animal is orphaned and urges people not to pick up baby animals or remove them from their natural environment but to get in touch with the nearest FWC Regional Office.
Manatees can often wash up and become stranded after storms, the FWC urges people to not attempt to help for any reason but to contact wildlife experts as they may need urgent medical attention. Call the FWCs Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Gillette stressed that the wildlife across Florida is also about to experience a catastrophic hurricane, he said: Try to be compassionate to the wildlife that is also caught in the storm at the same time.
Hurricane Milton has been described by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) described Milton as a catastrophic and dangerous event, putting it at the highest level on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale.
Milton has come just two weeks after Florida felt the effects of Hurricane Helene, a category four storm that killed an estimated 230 people.
Millions of Florida residents are racing to evacuate before the storm of the century and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has warned those who stay that their homes will become their coffins.
The storm center is expected to come ashore Wednesday night in the Tampa Bay area, which has not endured a direct hit by a major hurricane in more than a century.