As the Gulf Coast of Florida prepares for Hurricane Helene’s arrival as a significant hurricane on Thursday, it’s not only human populations that face danger. Wildlife in Florida is also at risk of habitat disruptions and storm challenges.

Large marine animals, like sharks and whales, can swiftly navigate to safer waters during intense storms like Helene, and they usually remain unaffected by hurricanes, according to the National Ocean Service. However, other species may face stranding, displacement, or substantial mortality rates.

“Hurricanes impact wildlife similarly to humans: some are more vulnerable than others,” remarked Deby Cassil, a biologist at the University of South Florida.

Last year, flamingos were sighted across Florida, even in states like Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas, after Hurricane Idalia swept through. Hurricane Irma in 2017 also resulted in manatees being stranded.

Hurricanes can create enormous waves that churn warm surface water with cooler, saltier water underneath. Heavy rainfall or shifting sands that block sunlight can lower salt concentrations, hurting coral reefs and other marine life. Beyond the water, heavy rain and winds can adversely affect birds, tortoises, and many other species. However, Cassil mentioned that Florida’s wildlife adjusts well to these severe weather conditions.

The Tampa zoo will be closing its doors on Thursday to transfer larger animals to secure night houses built to withstand severe weather. Smaller animals and birds will also be moved indoors for safety during the storm, according to ZooTampa’s statement. An “animal care storm-ride-out team” will remain on-site overnight.

How animals manage during major storms

For some species, hurricanes can even feel like an “adventure,” Cassil explained. Whales and sharks, which are agile and capable of escaping danger, experience similar brain chemicals as humans such as dopamine and serotonin. Birds might also perceive storms as stimulating challenges.

“For them, a storm can be an exciting journey,” she added.

Fish can endure being tossed around to a degree, and those near the shore often swim away from chaotic waters. Some tiny sea worms, called polychaetes, have a unique survival tactic—they burrow about a meter down and “bulldoze” into the earth during a hurricane.

Additionally, many birds caught in strong winds can eventually find their way back, thanks to their sensitivity to Earth’s geomagnetic fields, according to Cassil.

Risk of manatees becoming stranded post-hurricane

Manatees may get stranded or hurt by debris during hurricanes. They’ve been found in dry areas after past storms, including golf course ponds and retention basins. Hurricanes can also devastate their main food source, seagrass beds, the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida states, though Helene is expected to be mild enough to spare much damage.

If you see a stranded manatee or other affected wildlife, such as a dolphin, following a storm, avoid approaching or attempting to rescue it. Instead, you should call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, as the animal may require medical care.

“To ensure both your safety and the wildlife’s well-being during storms, it’s essential to remain vigilant and give animals their distance,” the commission advises.

Effects on fish and turtles

Most fish can handle some turbulent waters, Cassil noted, and coastal fish often have the ability to swim away from more substantial wave action.

The primary cause of fish deaths after storms typically involves low oxygen levels in the water, which can be driven by strong winds displacing surface waters. This causes oxygen-depleted water from the depths to rise, which might be lethal due to its hydrogen sulfide content. Additionally, prolonged cloudy conditions during storms hinder oxygen-producing plants and organisms from photosynthesis, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The nesting season for sea turtles coincides with Florida’s hurricane season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that no hurricane season affects all nesting sea turtles entirely since female turtles lay eggs throughout the season to ensure that at least some nests survive.

Despite the challenges posed by storms, many species will persevere. However, hurricanes can create higher water levels, flooding nests, and contributing to beach erosion. This can lead to nests drying out or becoming more exposed to predators, as noted by Maia McGuire, a marine biologist from the University of Florida.

“After significant storms, you might find baby turtles tangled in seaweed along the shore or in unexpected places like pools or yards,” states the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It’s important to refrain from returning them to the ocean; instead, contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline. Turtles that are actively making their way to the sea do not require assistance.

Unexpected animal appearances after storms

Storms do not exclusively affect sea creatures; they also disrupt wildlife on land, including animals like snakes and bears. After a storm, it’s common to see these animals in unusual locations.

Bears are often drawn to spoiled food and trash as communities clean up following storms. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends securely storing food waste and debris.

Burrowing owls may take refuge in the eaves of homes post-storm since heavy rains can displace them from their burrows, and the cleanup can cover them with debris.

Flamingo sightings far from their usual habitats after Idalia

Following the 2023 Idalia storm, flamingos appeared in parts of the U.S. not typically associated with them. In the days and weeks after the storm, at least 150 American flamingos were observed in over 50 locations throughout Florida and at least 14 different states.

The flamingos got caught up in the storm and were found as far away as Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas. Many were traced back to their origins in the Yucatan Peninsula.