As flood waters swamp most of the country’s landscape , a number of wild animals have emerged from their natural habitats but the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission is urging Guyanese to spare the country’s wildlife.
In recent weeks, snakes, alligators and other wild animals have emerged from their habitats and many persons have reacted in unfriendly terms to the animals; persons have posted photographs and videos of the creatures close to domestic surroundings including yards.
But the wildlife body has noted that the presence of the animals is expected since their habitats would have been disturbed by rising waters. The body reminded Guyanese that wild animals play an important role in “in maintaining life on earth.”
The commission noted that it understands “that fear is a natural emotion when encountering these animals,” however, the body said that they should not be killed unless they pose a direct threat to human life.
The wildlife body suggested that persons should avoid interacting with the displaced creatures , noting that they will return to their natural habitat when the water receded. It noted too that in the case of snakes, being agitated will see the animal being likewise agitated , at which point the animals will try to protect themselves.
Persons are advised to exercise caution when entering spaces such as rooms or sheds since the animals may temporarily relocate to such areas for shelter.Guyanese are also urged to avoid walking bare-footed in water at flooded areas as well as to exercise caution when removing debris from areas which may attract the animals.
Persistent rains have swamped most of the country’s administrative regions in recent weeks as the annual May-June rains has seen above normal rainfall flooding communities , especially those in low-lying areas and those close to waterways.
According to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) around 7000 households have been affected by the flooding , with communities such as Kwakwani in Region 10 and El Paso in Region Eight amongst the hardest hit. There , as much as 8 feet of water has inundated the land.
The CDC is working with the public and private sector to bring relief to affected areas. In addition, it has advised persons in the Cuyuni/Mazauni region to relocate from areas which may result in mudslides.
