Days after extreme rainfall flooded West Palm Beach’s RiverWalk community, residents say roads remain nearly impassable and wildlife is appearing outside their homes. I read the report by WPTV West Palm Beach, which spoke to several residents who described seeing snakes, fish and alligators in the water and on lawns.
The RiverWalk neighborhood, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, took on several feet of water after a storm dumped more than a foot of rain in parts of Palm Beach County. Residents told the outlet they had seen snakes swimming in the flooded streets and alligators resting near driveways, with fish stranded on lawns as the water slowly receded. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises that displaced wildlife during floods will often seek higher ground or move into residential areas until waters recede.
What this means for Florida homeowners
Floodwaters force animals out of their natural habitats, and in Florida that can include snakes, alligators and other reptiles. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s important to keep your distance from any animal you encounter in the water. Most snakes you see in Florida backyards are harmless, and my guide to common garden snakes can help you tell the difference between nonvenomous species and venomous ones like cottonmouths or rattlesnakes.
The Florida Department of Health recommends that residents avoid wading through floodwater whenever possible, not only because of hidden debris but also because of the risk of encountering wildlife. If you see an alligator, do not approach it and call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. Residents of the RiverWalk community told WPTV they expected the water to take days to fully drain, meaning more wildlife sightings are likely in the short term.
The notice is published by WPTV West Palm Beach (Scripps) at www.wptv.com.
