HUMAN BEINGS are not the only ones displaced by Hurricane Ivan. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reporting that crocodiles may be found outside their natural habitats, which are swamps or wetlands, because of flooding caused by the hurricane.
As a result, NEPA is urging the public to be extremely careful if they live in or visit areas close to swamps and wetlands.
"Persons are also advised to avoid bathing in or near these areas as crocodiles are likely to move with flood waters and may be found in areas outside of their original habitat," NEPA said.
Environmental officials are also asking persons not to harm the crocodiles they see but call NEPA at 754-7540-1, or 754-7546-51, or the nearest police station.
Crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and it is therefore illegal to kill, catch, or molest them.
In the meantime, NEPA is warning bird shooters to immediately stop hunting birds because the 2004 bird shooting season has been cancelled as a result of impact caused by Hurricane Ivan. This is a full 10 days before it was scheduled to end on September 26. The season began on August 21.
