Aug. 17, 2016 – Widespread flooding in southern Louisiana will displace wildlife and could move the animals into populated areas. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists said the public should be on the lookout for wildlife such as deer, snakes, alligators or any displaced animal.

If you see wild animals the most prudent thing to do is stay away and leave them alone.

To report nuisance alligators, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wildlife/nuisance-alligator-contacts . To report nuisance wildlife, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wildlife/nwco .

In cases where a bird or mammal has been injured and is in need of assistance, concerned citizens should contact a certified wildlife rehabilitator listed at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wildlife/rehab . Wildlife rehabilitators have the training, skills and facilities necessary to care for most injured animals and are permitted by LDWF to rehabilitate injured wildlife in Louisiana.

Rehabilitators are not permitted to take deer or fawns without prior LDWF approval. All calls regarding deer or fawns must be handled through the appropriate LDWF regional office. Go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wildlife-field-offices-and-telephone-numbers for a listing of those offices or contact LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon at jbordelon@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-2344.

Bordelon said the public should not pick up fawns during this disaster. There is a good chance the doe is nearby but reluctant to come out in view of the public. Deer will attempt to return to their normal home ranges in advance of the water receding in some cases.

Department biologists said that smaller animals such as rabbits are adept swimmers and can ride out the flooding on stumps, logs and floating debris.

For more information on displaced wildlife, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife .

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive recreational or commercial fishing email and text alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.