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News and Events
Wildlife on Levees and High Ground During Floods
Friday, May 13, 2011
JACKSON – As the Mississippi River reaches record levels, wildlife are being forced to areas outside of their normal home ranges. Animals are being observed in places they do not normally inhabit, like along levees, raised roadways, and areas not yet affected by rising water. “The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is aware that flood waters have displaced wildlife and there has been an increase in deer-vehicle collisions in some areas of the Mississippi Delta,” according to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Deer Program Coordinator Chad Dacus.
“The best thing people can do for wildlife is to leave these animals alone,” Dacus said. “Wildlife are under increased stress from the flood and have been pushed into unfamiliar areas. We are aware that animals are congregating in these areas, but people should not capture or handle them.”
MDWFP personnel are closely assessing the situation in the Delta and will continue to monitor wildlife populations in the coming months. MDWFP Director of Technical Programs Larry Castle said, “Both biologists and conservation officers will be working with private landowners in the Delta to monitor the situation.” Additionally, MDWFP biologists are cooperating with biologists from the private sector and other state and federal agencies to identify and address all potential wildlife issues.