The threat from wild animals is an issue when hurricanes hit. Ferocious storms like hurricanes are known to dredge up menacing creatures like alligators. As waters rise and weather conditions become more dangerous, alligators will seek shelter on higher ground, including in residential areas.
When Hurricane Irma roars through Florida, a big, toothy alligator crawled into downtown Melbourne.
The alligator might have been a resident of one of Melbourne’s alligator farms and parks or perhaps it just strayed from a place like the the Viera Wetlands, a publicly managed area where alligators swim in their natural habitat.
Keepers at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm began their preparations for Hurricane Irma by draining some of the water out of the enclosure where more than 200 alligators and crocodiles live. That way, the gators won't be able to swim out of the enclosure if the water rises.
"As they feel the low pressure come in, they all submerge to the bottom and they wait," John Brueggen with the farm told WJXX-TV. Read more at ABC7.com.
Gators could remain displaced in the days and weeks following a major storm, even after the water has receded.
In a statement to Fox News, Christy Kroboth from Gator Squad advised residents to stay at least 30 feet away from a displaced gator and not to approach or attempt to feed it.
“Alligators are not out looking to cause you any problems,” Kroboth said. “They are simply just trying to deal with the weather like the rest of us. Leave them alone and they will do the same for you.”