Texas floods are bringing snakes, alligators to the neighborhood
By Sean Breslin for Weather.com
Consider this a cautionary tale for why it's a bad idea to walk around in floodwaters.
Texans are getting a little too close with some harmful creatures because of the weeks-long flood that has gripped their state. As the water rose, snakes and alligators suddenly had a lot more room to move around, and some have come right into neighborhoods where they're not welcome.
(MORE: Floods Swamp Texas, Killing More Than Two Dozen)
Dallas resident Mary Weir was recently on the phone in her home when she noticed a 2-foot-long snake had come into the house, the Dallas Morning News reported. After barricading the snake in a linen closet, she was eventually able to scoop it up with a mop handle and carry it away.
"It's a perfect storm. We're getting hundreds of calls about snakes right now," Bonnie Bradshaw told the Dallas Morning News. Her company, 911 Wildlife, works with Dallas to respond to wildlife calls.
Authorities have also warned residents that there are other dangers lurking in floodwaters. This is mating season for alligators, which Yahoo! News says makes the reptiles even more hazardous to be around.
"Alligators travel great distances this time of year and having more water to do it in certainly facilitates it," Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department Maj. Chad Norvell said in the report.
Floodwaters can contain snakes, fire ants and alligators, but there are also more frequent risks like diseases and chemical hazards, according to the CDC. Unless it's an emergency, it's quite risky to go for that swim on a flooded road.
More from AOL.com:
Volunteers search for missing after Central Texas flood
Sun returns to Texas, revealing flood damage across state
Floodwaters rise in Houston; search goes on for 30 missing
