Don’t be surprised if critters start showing up in your yard now that 35 trillion gallons of water has been dumped on the state. Texas Parks and Wildlife is reminding everyone to be careful and compassionate.
“It is not uncommon for wildlife encounters to increase after flood events,” said Andy Gluesenkamp, a herpetologist with TPWD. “People should be aware that snakes and other wildlife, including skunks and raccoons, may approach or enter yards and houses where they do not normally occur. Over time, displaced wildlife will return to their usual habitats.”
In the meantime, we should cuddle with the skunk, dress the snake in a tuxedo made from a tube sock, and send the raccoon on a covert mission to raid your annoying neighbor’s trash can?
Nope.
“A snake in the yard is not a cause for panic,” he said. “They don’t want to be there, either, and if left alone will usually leave on their own. You’re more likely to come upon a skunk, a mound of fire ants or a wasp nest in a brushpile than a venomous snake. If you do have an encounter with a problem snake, seek help from local animal control or licensed snake removal experts.”
There’s an upside to all critter invasion. The rain busted the drought, which will ultimately benefit creatures and ecosystems. And people. I’m thirsty.
This is an important issue because the natural world is already stressed to the max. Consider yourself lucky to get a visit from our fellow travelers on this planet.