Florida Agency Issued Post-Storm Wildlife Guidance
Residents should report displaced wildlife and manage attractants following recent storm activity in the state.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued guidance for managing displaced wildlife following recent storms. Animals are increasingly found in flooded ditches, canals, and residential lots as they move out of their disrupted habitats.
Why it matters
Storms displace local wildlife, pushing animals into human-occupied areas where interactions increase. Managing these encounters safely is critical for both the protection of residents and the welfare of displaced animals.
Residents can reach the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286 or the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. These lines are active for reporting stranded marine life, nuisance alligators, and bear conflicts.
The players
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The state agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources and enforcing regulations for the protection of Florida's ecosystems.
The details
Wildlife often seek refuge in residential areas after storms, taking shelter in flooded ditches or canals. To minimize conflicts, secure items that attract wildlife and keep household garbage or spoiled food separate from storm debris awaiting collection. Bear-related issues should be reported to regional FWC offices during normal business hours or through the Wildlife Alert Hotline during after-hours periods.
Timeline
Post-storm: Wildlife displacement and resident cleanup activities occur.
The Home Front
This guidance aligns with established safety protocols maintained by state agencies to manage wildlife during environmental shifts. It reinforces long-standing practices for residential waste management and storm cleanup in flood-prone regions.
Audit your property for items that might attract bears or other wildlife, such as unsecured trash or leftover food, especially after storm damage. Keep the hotline numbers saved in your contacts in case you encounter displaced animals near your home.
The takeaway
Wildlife encounters are common following storms as displaced animals seek higher ground. Always maintain a safe distance and report potential threats to the state by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
Further reading
Learn more about local fauna and safety protocols in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM.
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