Most wildlife can take care of themselves after a flood, which is why the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is urging folks to take common-sense precautions when they see them. 

Although major rain storms hit Southeast Texas last week, parts of Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties are still dealing with the aftermath of the worst flooding in Greater Houston since Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

While residents have been displaced, snakes, armadillos, skunks and raccoons also have been attempting to seek cover or higher ground while the floodwaters recede.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the storms also coincided with the arrival of newborn wildlife in the region.

“Regardless of weather conditions, various species of wildlife have been known to have encounters with people year-round across the state, but areas impacted by recent floods could see an increased wildlife presence,” according to a department statement.

“The compulsion to help or investigate an animal that looks abandoned can be overwhelming, but interference could harm its chances of survival,” the department said. “While most of these animals are picked up by well-meaning people, it is important to realize that many such human-animal encounters are unnecessary and can even be detrimental to the wildlife concerned.”

Instead, leave animals that could have been displaced by the recent flooding alone and focus on helping people instead, wildlife officials said. 

If you see displaced animals, the Texas Parks and Wildlife offers these tips: