Snakes, Other Wildlife Creeping Into Homes And Yards Due To Flooding

Oklahomans are finding all sorts of wildlife in their yards and around their homes after the flooding. One of the most common reports are snakes seeking refuge on ledges and back porches.

Video shows the ground in Eufaula so saturated, the water pushed hundreds of worms up out of the ground. It is a common sight and unfortunately so are snakes.

“This happens anytime you have a lot of rain and a lot of water, wildlife, a lot of wildlife gets displaced,” said Todd Craighead, information specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.

Just like humans, snakes and critters flee to higher ground when their homes get flooded.

Craighead said he knows the knee-jerk reaction may be to kill a snake when you see one, but not all snakes are bad and some actually help the ecosystem.

The Department of Wildlife has also received snake reports from Edmond, Norman and Yukon.

“My own mother called to tell me that there was a big long snake in her front yard,” Craighead added.

News 9 viewers sent in photos of a snake on the ledge of a home in Cashion.

“People are finding snakes in their yard, or opossums or rabbits or things that they don't typically see and they wonder, “Where do these come from?” Craighead told News 9.

Other photos showed turtles found in Yukon and Oklahoma City that likely washed up from nearby ponds. Several people have found huge catfish in their backyards or drainage ditches, like in Tishomingo.

“Strange to walk in your front yard and see a carp, you know, or a bluegill or something, but that's just part of the flooding issue,” Craighead said.

Craighead said this will not hurt the animals. It is just temporary until the water recedes.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife said it saw the same thing in the floods of 2009. They say to just leave any wildlife where you find them and if you any questions, call their office at (405) 521-3855.