Wildlife seek higher ground during flood - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Wildlife seek higher ground during flood

Flood waters continued to pour into homes Thursday, forcing out families and also ruining animal habitats.  A WLBT photographer caught these two large alligators near the Yazoo levee.  A crew in south Vicksburg on Cedar Hill Circle found this snake in the rising water.  These critters were making their way to places they do not normally inhabit.

"Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks is monitoring this situation very closely.  We're working with private land owners as well as other state and federal agencies," said Randy Newell, Conservation Officer with Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Officials captured this video while boating around flooded property.  Right now they are working on keeping the animals and people safe.

"Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is aware that these animals are being displaced and that deer-vehicle collision are up in the some areas," said Newell.

Herds of deer fleeing to higher ground, like the one Skycopter 3 captured Wednesday, are a major hazard for motorists.  As a rule, officials recommend staying away from flood waters and the animals.

"These animals are already stressed, the best things people can do is leave animals alone," said Newell.

For more information go to www.mdwfp.com.

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