Strange warning issued by Louisiana officials as historic snowstorm hits Gulf Coast

A record-setting snowstorm along the Gulf Coast has Louisiana officials worried people unaccustomed to the cold might overreact in ways that could get them killed.

Hence, a strange warning was issued during the storm: Don’t invite alligators, bears and other wildlife into your home.

“We would like to remind the public not to take in any wild animals during this weather event,” the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries posted Tuesday, Jan. 21, on social media.

“Wild animals have adapted (over time) to deal with this type of winter weather condition, and it is important that they remain in their environment.”

Parts of Louisiana got as much as 11.5 inches of snow during the storm, according to The Weather Channel.

Among the odd scenes reported by police was people skiing in the middle of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Meanwhile, the state’s warning about wildlife got hundreds of reactions and comments on Facebook, including some who took the opposing point of view.

“It has only snowed this much maybe twice in the last 50 years and the added low temps too. When were they supposed to have gotten acclimated to this type of weather?” Joey Kuzma wrote.

Many more commenters had jokes, however.

“But what if they wanna come in?” Ben Alexander asked.

“Now’s a fine time to tell me this! Now I have to figure out a way to get this polar bear out of my barn,” Chip Hanemann wrote.

“I let Bigfoot in for hot chocolate, should I try to get him out?” Derek Domingue posted.

“People are gonna read this & wonder (what) is wrong with us,” Phitena Louviere said.

This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 7:28 AM with the headline "Strange warning issued by Louisiana officials as historic snowstorm hits Gulf Coast."