**Florida Residents Confront Alligators and Snakes in Floodwaters Post-Hurricanes**

Florida wildlife experts are cautioning residents in areas hard-hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to steer clear of dark floodwaters, which have become inhabited by displaced alligators and snakes. Returning evacuees have stumbled upon gators in their homes and snakes in their neighborhoods, driven inland by the powerful currents of Hurricane Milton. This storm made landfall on October 9 as a Category 3 hurricane in Siesta Key, just south of Tampa Bay.

"The water pretty much pushed them obviously out of their pond areas. They're going with the flow," noted Rene Walker of Tampa Bay Rescues, an animal rescue and conservation group, in an interview with NBC News. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) also issued a statement on X following the storm, cautioning people: "Some wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, and bears are more likely to be seen after a storm. Be aware, keep your distance, and give all wild animals space."

The threats posed by these displaced creatures are palpable. "I would absolutely be concerned about what's out there. I would not go in dark water. I would be extremely cautious," Walker added, emphasizing that while alligators naturally avoid humans, they will snap if provoked.

One Tampa resident, Jen Messer, found herself in a peculiar situation when she discovered an alligator in her home gym. "He made a trip over the treadmill, got his cardio in for a second, and then he meandered out underneath my truck," Messer humorously recounted. Despite calling 911, she and her husband eventually managed to guide the gator back to a nearby pond. "We directed him, but he wasn't that happy about it. He did take a big chomp out of our broom. It was a wild day," she added.

Snakes have also become a common sight in the aftermath. Ron Magill of Zoo Miami explained that the floodwaters have forced many subterranean snakes to the surface. "A lot of the snakes that may be subterranean, underground, have been flooded out. Just like people have been flooded out," said Magill. He warned people to avoid surprising these creatures by staying out of the water whenever possible.

Keith March, a rescue team member in Pascoe County, has also observed several snakes in the floodwaters. "You'll pick 'em up. We've gotten a couple, you'll see a water moccasin going down the road," he said.

To minimize encounters with these potentially dangerous animals, experts advise avoiding flood waters, being cautious in areas near wildlife reserves or ponds, and keeping pets on a leash during walks. Walker emphasized that any encounters with alligators should be reported to authorities like the FWC and not handled personally.

In addition to wildlife threats, the Florida Health Department has warned against exposure to floodwaters due to Vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria commonly found in warm coastal waters that can infect open wounds.

Hurricane Helene also left its mark by displacing colonies of yellow jackets in western North Carolina, increasing the risk of stings. Health officials in North Carolina have responded by stocking up on large amounts of Benadryl and EpiPens to assist those at risk.

These instances underscore the wide range of challenges communities face during hurricane recovery, extending beyond just property damage to significant wildlife and health hazards.