What will happen to wildlife in a hurricane?
Many people have expressed concern for the wildlife as well as the people of the islands. Creatures take shelter where they can during a major storm such as this. Humans can escape the path of a hurricane — and some animals can sense a storm coming and flee — but there are many species of wildlife unable to escape storms like Hurricane Ian.
Some ocean-dwelling birds will keep flying into the eye of a storm while a hurricane is at sea, staying until the storm passes.
Some research suggests birds may be able to sense barometric pressure and other changes in the environment, which encourages them to escape harm's way,
Animals can become trapped in high water and flooding and will succumb to drowning, but many will be able to find a spot and survive long enough until the water begins to recede.
Additional research suggests that water mammals, such as Dolphin and manatees will often seek shelter in open water or find sheltered areas during hurricanes. Unfortunately, that is not always possible.
Beyond the immediate dangers for survival, wildlife will then have to contend with the damages of the saltwater on their, water, food and habitat. The delicate balance of fresh and salt water can easily upset the ecosystems and harming the creatures who live in them.
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