Expert: Steer Clear of Displaced Snakes and Alligators

Sept. 2, 2005 — -- The Gulf Coast is synonymous with Bayou Country; swampy home to alligators, snakes and other wildlife. With the regional landscape so dramatically altered by Hurricane Katrina, Randy P. Lanctot, executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, explains how local animals have been affected, and identifies potential risks to people living and working in the area.

Snakes, alligators and other wildlife are not normally a serious threat to humans in flooding conditions. Abandoned or stranded pets are more likely to pose a threat as they seek a meal after several days with nothing to eat. However, there is a perception in this part of the world by those who fear snakes and gators that getting into any water that is not a swimming pool invites a snake or alligator attack. I heard a survivor today say that he waited until the last minute to exit his flooding home because he was afraid of snakes that might be in the water. He eventually broke a second floor window to get out and was rescued from the roof of his home. So, even if these wild animals aren't a threat, the phobia some people have of them could have kept some from acting prudently to get out of their homes when the water rose and consequently caused their death by drowning as they were unable to escape as the water pinned them on the inside of their attic roofs. I am not aware of such a scenario, but we all know some people who are "scared to death" of snakes. Once the water recedes, there will be incidences of snakes and perhaps a few displaced alligators stranded in and around damaged structures, on streets, etc.

Since snakes and alligators are generally afraid of people and will try to avoid us, giving any animal that is encountered a clear exit will usually avoid any injury to either party. In some cases there may be an animal that really does not know where to go to get back to the drainage canal or bayou, lake, swamp or marsh. In such cases that involve alligators, the [wildlife authorities] should be contacted and that agency will make arrangements to remove the animal.