Displaced animals after Hurricane Florence

Bunny was saved from almost drowning in flood waters from Hurricane Florence.(Mark Marriman)

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - After Hurricane Florence, many wild animals have been displaced from their natural habitats.

Winds knocked nests out of trees, such as squirrel and bird nests, leaving the young temporarily stranded on the ground. Flood waters have temporarily displaced and many wildlife species seek higher and drier ground – even those that can swim. Snakes and alligators will often move out of flooded areas to find refuge that doesn’t require them to swim continuously.

Wildlife officials urge people to go against the instinct of saving the animals, even if the young appear to be abandoned.

To prevent wild animals from seeking shelter under or inside buildings, all access points should be closed off. Brush piles can also attract wildlife like raccoons and opossums, so place them away from buildings.

Now that the rain has stopped and flood waters are receding, animals should begin returning to their natural habitats.

If you do see an animal that is need of rescue or that is causing a nuisance, call a wildlife rehabilitator in your county which can be found at https://www.ncwildlife.org/Injured-Wildlife#5549117-is-the-animal-orphaned.