Venomous snakes could spread across the Carolinas because of Florence

WILMINGTON, N.C. (KRON) – Could snakes be in the flooded areas after Hurricane Florence? 

Yes, it’s a possibility, local zoo officials are warning. 

From cottonmouths to copperhead vipers, around 38 different species could be uprooted from their habitats due to the storm, Thad Bowman with the Alligator Adventure zoo in Myrtle Beach told the Sun News in South Carolina. 

“They inject venom, which causes tissue destruction, platelet loss, causes bleeding, it can cause death,” said Gerald O’Malley, with Grand Street Hospital.

Residents are advised not to be out during the storm, keeping in mind that many medical facilities will be closed. 

“They can be found swimming in water or hiding under debris and they should be avoided,” Accuweather warns. 

Bowman says the zoo is doing everything in its power to keep animals safe and in their confines during the storm.