Mississippi flood is boon or bane to wildlife
The picturesque landscape of Memphis' President's Island has long been known as one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the Mississippi River. But for now, the island's massive whitetail deer and wild turkey population has fallen victim to floodwaters. "The deer and turkey are all just gone from the island," said Andy Tweed, a conservation officer for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency who patrols the river regularly.
"I honestly believe 60 percent of the deer herd will be lost." Though deer are capable swimmers, many have been no match for the swift currents of the Mississippi. During the past week, Tweed has been forced to kill at least a dozen deer he found tangled in barbed-wire fences or the tops of trees now surrounded by 40 feet of water. Even some that managed to escape the flooding fell victim to other danger. "A lot of the deer from the island jumped right out onto (Interstate) 55 and just got instantly splattered by cars," said Ty Inmon, a TWRA conservation officer who rode the river with Tweed this week.
Wild turkeys may have been hit even harder by the flood. It occurred during the height of their mating season, and they aren't capable swimmers."Out here in these currents the way they are right now, a wild turkey will last about 30 seconds," Tweed said.
Though land-dwelling animals are struggling, water-dependent creates are flourishing in areas that have been dry for decades. When floodwaters invade normally dry areas, they wash all sorts of food into the water for fish -- earthworms, grasshoppers, even cockroaches. As a result, fish often come out of flood years healthier and heartier. "That's the way it was back before the days of channelization and the Corps of Engineers," said Jeff Slipke, a fisheries biologist with Southeastern Pond Management in Jackson, Tenn. "The water gets up into the woods, and fish are able to go up in there and spawn in a very healthy environment." Catfish, common carp, buffalo and pan fish such as bluegill and crappie are all likely to benefit from the flood.Asian carp, known for their leaping abilities, seem to be relishing their expanded territory.At midweek, snakes were omnipresent on the river -- and farther beyond. They've been reported under doormats and inside barbecue grills.Tweed said he even saw a 15-foot python hanging near the river this week."I'm sure it was somebody's pet that they either chucked or it just got loose," Tweed said. "But it was a strange sight on the Mississippi River."
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Black Bear sightings anticipated due to floodwaters
Because of rising floodwaters, Governor Bobby Jindal says residents will be seeing more wildlife in populated areas, especially Black bears.
He's urging everyone to stay away from them and call the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for assistance at 1-800-442-2511
"Yes, this is a serious announcement," the governor said Monday during a news conference. "I know it sounds comical, but there are going to be many animals displaced by the rising floodwaters and we do anticipate more black bears going into populated areas."
The public is urged not to feed the animals. Instead call the wildlife field office and report their exact location.
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"I honestly believe 60 percent of the deer herd will be lost." Though deer are capable swimmers, many have been no match for the swift currents of the Mississippi. During the past week, Tweed has been forced to kill at least a dozen deer he found tangled in barbed-wire fences or the tops of trees now surrounded by 40 feet of water. Even some that managed to escape the flooding fell victim to other danger. "A lot of the deer from the island jumped right out onto (Interstate) 55 and just got instantly splattered by cars," said Ty Inmon, a TWRA conservation officer who rode the river with Tweed this week.
Wild turkeys may have been hit even harder by the flood. It occurred during the height of their mating season, and they aren't capable swimmers."Out here in these currents the way they are right now, a wild turkey will last about 30 seconds," Tweed said.
Though land-dwelling animals are struggling, water-dependent creates are flourishing in areas that have been dry for decades. When floodwaters invade normally dry areas, they wash all sorts of food into the water for fish -- earthworms, grasshoppers, even cockroaches. As a result, fish often come out of flood years healthier and heartier. "That's the way it was back before the days of channelization and the Corps of Engineers," said Jeff Slipke, a fisheries biologist with Southeastern Pond Management in Jackson, Tenn. "The water gets up into the woods, and fish are able to go up in there and spawn in a very healthy environment." Catfish, common carp, buffalo and pan fish such as bluegill and crappie are all likely to benefit from the flood.Asian carp, known for their leaping abilities, seem to be relishing their expanded territory.At midweek, snakes were omnipresent on the river -- and farther beyond. They've been reported under doormats and inside barbecue grills.Tweed said he even saw a 15-foot python hanging near the river this week."I'm sure it was somebody's pet that they either chucked or it just got loose," Tweed said. "But it was a strange sight on the Mississippi River."
___________________________________________________________________________
Black Bear sightings anticipated due to floodwaters
Because of rising floodwaters, Governor Bobby Jindal says residents will be seeing more wildlife in populated areas, especially Black bears.
He's urging everyone to stay away from them and call the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for assistance at 1-800-442-2511
"Yes, this is a serious announcement," the governor said Monday during a news conference. "I know it sounds comical, but there are going to be many animals displaced by the rising floodwaters and we do anticipate more black bears going into populated areas."
The public is urged not to feed the animals. Instead call the wildlife field office and report their exact location.
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- By BRYAN BRASHER
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