As Hurricane Milton continues to wreak havoc across Florida, some residents have returned to find unexpected visitors in their homes. One family discovered a massive alligator lurking in their flooded kitchen, which they captured in a now-viral TikTok video. As the family opened the door, they were met with the sight of the alligator baring its teeth. One of the family members exclaimed, “Holy sh*t!”—a sentiment likely shared by anyone in that situation. At that moment, surrendering the house to the gator might have seemed like the best option.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued warnings that displaced wildlife, including alligators, snakes, bears, and even manatees, could invade homes due to the flooding. Biologist Christopher Gillette also took to social media to advise people to stay out of the floodwaters, not just because of displaced animals, but also because of the human sewage that could contaminate the water. “The risk posed by wildlife in the flood waters is actually relatively low,” he said, but still urged people to be cautious.
Gillette also explained that alligators, in particular, can hold their breath underwater for up to six hours, making them especially hard to spot in floodwaters. The dangers extend beyond gators, though—displaced snakes may also pose a threat as they blend into fallen branches and debris. People navigating through the aftermath are urged to stay alert and tread carefully.
The floods have displaced many animals, and authorities are emphasizing the importance of avoiding contact with wildlife. With homes flooded and damaged, residents are now grappling with both environmental destruction and these unexpected wildlife encounters.
As Hurricane Milton’s aftermath unfolds, Florida residents are facing the dual challenge of dealing with storm damage and the potential dangers posed by displaced animals. For now, it’s crucial to stay safe, watch out for wildlife, and heed the advice of experts.
