Hurricanes can bring unwanted visitors

Like many other residents in the path of a major storm, snakes, rodents and other wildlife become displaced and homeless.

As a result, wildlife may seek shelter and food close to humans.

Snakes, for example, might seek shelter in homes, sheds, barns or any other buildings, state wildlife officials say. Damaged structures are particularly appealing to snakes because there are multiple openings. Snakes also like piles of wood or debris.

It’s important to realize that both poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes are beneficial to people because they help control rodents, which are also displaced by storms.

If you find a snake in your house, don’t panic. Try to confine the snake to a small area of the house. Use a long pole or stick with a fork at on end and scoop the snake with the same motion used in operating a snow shovel.

A poisonous snake might have to be killed. If so, never attempt to kill a poisonous snake with an instrument that brings you within the snake’s striking range, which is usually estimated at less than one-half the total length of the snake.

As soon as possible, remove piles of debris that provide protective cover for rodents and snakes. Keep piles away from the house. Use heavy gloves and wear snake-proof boots when working with piles of debris after a storm.

Other wounded and/or orphaned birds, small mammals and reptiles may be seen following a storm. To take care of them, the N.C. Wildlife Commission recommends the area’s two-legged residents turn to the professional licensed rehabilitators, for their safety and the animal’s safety.

Rehabilitators cannot handle foxes, bats, raccoons or skunks but may be available to help out with other mammals and birds.

Rehabilitators traditionally work with area shelters, including Possumwood Acres in Hubert, Wild Ark of Eastern Carolina in New Bern and Outerbanks Wildlife Shelter in Newport. But the shelters, as well as the rehabilitators, often find themselves inundated after a storm passes.

There are steps individuals can take until a rehabilitator or shelter can be reached.

Most importantly, do not let children or household pets play with displaced animals.

Young animals, who may at first appear to be orphaned, can often be reunited with their mother. Baby birds should be put back in their nests if still intact, in place and within reach. Otherwise, place the birds, along with any nesting materials found nearby, in a small plastic container — like a butter tub — and set it in the tree as high as possible. Baby squirrels should be kept warm near where they were found.

If there is no sign of a mother within six hours, contact a rehabilitator for assistance.

Injured animals need the help of a professional as soon as possible; very gently pick up those exhibiting signs of broken bones or bleeding and place them in a box — closed but with vents for airflow — in a quiet area until they can be taken to or picked up by a rehabilitator. Or leave them outside with a small towel or washcloth placed over the animal to keep it warm.

In most instances, do not to feed the animal. For those in areas not easily accessible following a storm, rehabilitators can offer suggestions for longer-term care and feeding until professional care can be arranged.

Foxes, bats, raccoons or skunks are off-limits to rehabilitators due to the possibility of rabies — the same reason they should be off-limits to those who come across them; even orphaned suckling animals of these species, according to the N.C. Wildlife Web site, can transmit rabies. Usually, removal of those animals, when needed, has to be arranged through wildlife damage control agents.

To find a wildlife rehabilitator by county, visit www.ncwildlife. org.