Sept. 1, 2012 - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries (LDWF) is advising the public to be alert for wildlife
species forced into populated areas by flood waters resulting
from Hurricane Isaac. Rising waters can move wildlife from
flooded habitat into adjacent residential and commercial areas
where they may come into contact with residents. LDWF urges
citizens to minimize contact with animals while they seek
temporary refuge from their flooded home range. Wild animals not
posing a threat to humans should be left alone and should not be
fed. Feeding wild animals will encourage those animals to remain
in the vicinity of a new food source when they should be allowed
to find natural habitat and food sources on their own. Basic
tips when encountering wildlife include: - Avoid areas where
displaced wildlife has taken refuge. - Avoid interaction with
and do not feed displaced wildlife. - Reduce vehicle speed on
roadways near flooded areas to avoid collisions with wildlife
fleeing floodwaters. Flood water