Florida Wildlife Biologists Rescue Manatees Stranded Due to Hurricane Helene
Michelle Milliken
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is still being calculated, as the death toll topped 160 Tuesday, with hundreds still reportedly unaccounted for. More than two feet of rain in some areas contributed to destructive flooding that washed away homes and roadways and left countless people and pets displaced, without power, and without cell service. The Gulf Coast in Florida, where Helene first made landfall as a category 4 storm with 140 mile per hour winds, has been devastated, as well. Storm surge of more than 15 feet wiped out most homes in some communities, and it’s also had a continuing impact on wildlife.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shared on social media that they’d been responding to calls about stranded manatees in the wake of the storm. This is a common occurrence for the animals following severe weather.
Photos showed biologists working to save manatees pushed in from the coast. Officials say they work with the public and a network of partners to respond to these incidents and that the general public should not handle it on their own. They have a Wildlife Alert Hotline set up for these situations.
Often times, the manatees are more than just shaken up and require immediate medical attention.
A Facebook post from FWC says, “While our top priority has been to help residents and visitors of Florida recover from the impacts of Helene, we are also working swiftly to rehabilitate and conserve these gentle giants.”
Other FWC social media posts say that all kinds of wildlife are more apt to be seen in populated areas after a hurricane, including alligators, snakes, and bears.
It’s important to keep a distance and respect their space. If they see any animal in distress, residents are urged to assess the situation before acting, as well.
FWC says, “Don’t attempt to rescue wildlife during or after a storm if it would lead to a dangerous situation.”
As more of the fallout from Helene becomes apparent, Greater Good Charities is on the ground in impacted areas distributing aid to people and pets. Click below to help!
