A coastal Alabama city is warning residents to be careful of alligators, which have been showing up in populated areas following recent heavy rains.

Baby alligators have been reported in parking lots on the causeway that crosses Mobile Bay and along heavily traveled U.S. 98 in Daphne, WKRG-TV reported, so the city posted notes on social media asking residents to be careful, particularly with pets.

Charles Epler of Wildlife Solutions, an animal removal services, said the sightings likely were linked to the weather.

“They get pushed out. That heavy, torrential rain washes them out of where they’re at, and then they’re going to try and find somewhere else to set up shop,” Epler said.

Daphne, a city of about 26,000, is located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay.

“About 83% of their diet in the wild is turtles. I think that’s why there’s so many over here in Daphne,” said Epler.