Humans aren't the only ones heading for higher ground to escape the rising waters in New Brunswick.

The province's Department of Natural Resources was reporting on Wednesday about six deer and 10 moose had been spotted in the Jemseg Bridge area apparently trying to escape the rising waters of the St. John River.

"All the fields and woods behind them have been flooded out," said Richard Yerxa, spokesman for the department.

Most of the animals have been staying on grassy knolls in the area, but some have been spotted moving toward the road, so Jemseg Bridge has been closed to avoid collisions.

Officials are asking that people who see animals being driven onto local roadways not to approach them or to feed them.

The Department of Agriculture is also coping with animals that need to be taken from the low-lying areas on the outskirts of Fredericton, where there are many dairy and beef farms.

"We're just keeping them informed," said Brian Trenholm, a spokesman for the department. "They're anxious … because they have a lot of investment there at stake."

Farmers who live in the areas that were hit by the 1973 floods are being aided by the department. The Emergency Measure Organization said water levels will now likely surpass the 8.63 metres it hit in 1973.

River levels in Fredericton are expected to reach 8.6 metres above sea level by 7 a.m. Thursday.

In Maugerville, the river is expected to reach 7.2 metres by Friday and in Jemseg the waters are forecast to be 5.9 metres above sea level.

The department has already taken out about 30 cows that are stranded in the lower Jemseg area, Trenholm said.

More farm animals are also being transported out of flood zones on Wednesday.

Pets need shelter as well

As residents in the flooded areas leave their homes, many are also trying to find temporary homes for their pets. About 1,000 homes are expected to be impacted by the flood by Thursday.

The Red Cross is not able to accommodate animals at the emergency shelter it has opened at the University of New Brunswick residences in Fredericton.

Red Cross officials said pet owners should check with family, friends and kennels to see if they can house any animals.

Both Oromocto and Fredericton animal shelters are warning the public they do not have space to house pets.