El Nino storms have unsuspecting ramifications for pets and wild animals.
The deputy director of San Diego County’s Department of Animal Services said his agency saw an uptick in pets being left outside during last week’s heavy rainfall.
Deputy Director Dan DeSousa encourages San Diegans to take extra care with animals during these conditions.
“If you wouldn’t leave your child out in the rain, why would you leave your dog or cat out in the rain?” he said.
In addition to the issues with pets, a study by Live Science shows snakebites in Costa Rice increases during El Nino years.
DeSousa said he hasn’t seen any increase in snakebites locally, but did say snakes are more often seen during heavy rains.
“You just need to be really careful,” he said. “Keep an eye out if you’re in water.”
