The Ripple Effects of Recent Flooding on Local Wildlife in East Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Ripple Effects of Recent Flooding on Local Wildlife

It’s been quite the week for East Tennessee, especially when it comes to the furry and feathered neighbors we share this beautiful area with. The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) is diving deep into investigating the long-term impact that the recent massive flooding is having on the local wildlife. After all, no one likes to see their fellow creatures struggling, right?

Animals Seeking Higher Ground

Matthew Cameron, a spokesperson for TWRA, has been sharing some interesting insights from the field. A ranger at the David Crockett Birthplace State Park noticed a whole parade of small mammals like moles, voles, and shrews making a mad dash to higher ground as the water started to rise. Just picture it: adorable little critters scurrying away from the floods!

But it wasn’t just the small mammals who were on the move. Cameron mentioned that even beavers were seen vacating their usual haunts for drier territory. Birds flocked away, and even reports surfaced of bears climbing trees to escape the floodwaters. It’s a reminder of how instinctively animals react to nature’s changing tides.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

The TWRA wasn’t just watching from a distance; they were actively out there making a difference. Cameron recounted a heartwarming story about a wildlife officer who rescued a man and his two dogs. The man was trapped inside his home near the Nolichucky River. As the officer was on his way to help people stuck on a hospital roof, a concerned motorist flagged him down. The man inside was struggling to get open a sliding glass door, with water rising up dangerously close!

Cameron noted that the man was more worried about his dogs than himself, showing just how much love and care our pets mean to us. Fortunately, he managed to open the door just enough to let his dogs out before himself.

A Glimpse Into the Underwater World

Nature had not been kind, as demonstrated when Cameron recalled seeing two dead fish washed ashore in a parking lot after the waters started to recede. Thankfully, the TWRA hasn’t reported massive die-offs, which are often expected in such catastrophes. However, they are keeping an eye on fish populations that have been displaced downstream from rivers like the Pigeon River, French Broad River, and the Nolichucky River.

Domestic Animals Also Feeling the Impact

Beyond wild animals, our beloved pets are also facing challenges. Dr. Meggan Graves from the University of Tennessee talked about how indoor pets are struggling without access to basic necessities like food and medication, while outdoor animals are faced with even bigger issues. Their usual living spaces may now be underwater, and injuries are a real risk.

A worrying thought for livestock owners is that many animals may be lost or displaced. Many don’t have permanent identification, so identifying livestock that may be in need can be tough. Graves noted that while some cattle may have ear tags, tracking down owners is often a real puzzle.

Community Spirit Shining Bright

On a brighter note, the local response has been heartwarming. The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center hasn’t seen a surge in medical emergencies related to the flooding, which is encouraging! Instead, they’re helping collect supplies like hay, feed, water, and fencing materials to aid those in need. Community members are stepping up, creating distribution centers to ensure everyone, both human and animal, gets through this together.

Graves highlighted the importance of using the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s Watch Point, a helpful service providing notifications on emergency issues. It’s a fantastic resource if you see any animals in distress or those that look lost. The community is pulling together to help one another, and that’s always a beautiful thing, isn’t it?