HOUSTON – When people don’t have access to good information, rumors start to grow.  One official called it "drawing pictures in the dark."  

11 News has decided to shed some light on the myths, stories and rumors that have developed since Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast.

Myth #1: Deadly diseases have leaked out of UTMB and the island was "nuked"

Yes, Galveston's UTMB does have a top, level-4 biosafety hazard containment lab. But no, none of the deadly diseases studied there have leaked out.

Because of this the government was not forced to nuke the west end of the island.

Myth #2: Twelve lab monkeys and two tigers are loose on the island

Yes, it is true that UTMB is home to an animal research lab, but according to Jim Kelly, who works there, lab monkeys and tigers have not escaped. 

He also said it’s not true that 100 game wardens were on the island hunting the imaginary escaped animals down.

But what is true, is that he is running a contest for the most outrageous rumor.  He’ll give the winner $50.

Myth #3: There are lots of bodies in Crystal Beach and Bolivar Penisula.

This myth claims that there are so many bodies laid out the beach that airspace was restricted so people wouldn't see them.

According to Air 11 Pilot Jim Lowery, this is not true.  He said there is a traffic flight restriction, but it is only there to allow safe passage of disaster relief aircraft to and from area.

To prove this rumor wrong, Air 11 did a careful flyover of Galveston up to Bolivar, and to the north part of the bay.

“We saw nothing to indicate that there were massive amounts of dead bodies or any dead bodies,” said Lowery.

Myth #4: Grocery stores on generators had cold beer, but no milk in order to make a profit

Many people were angry that grocery stores on generators had no milk, but had plenty of cold beer.  Was it profit over responsibility?  No. It turns out most generators can't keep dairy cases below 40 degrees which is required for milk and other dairy products. 

Beer can be kept at 45 - 50 degrees without any health issues.   

Myth #5: A tiger and lion were loose on Bolivar Island.

In this case, the animals do exist, but neither of them were running wild.  The tiger was in a cage at the Crystal Beach Zoo and the lion was with the zoo owner. But the large cat was on a leash riding out the storm.

In fact, the lion and zoo owner were rescued from a Baptist church on Highway 87.

Myth #6: Both animals were put down.

Not true. The animals were not killed, but the tiger was shot with a dart gun for sedation purposes. Both cats have safely been transported to a facility in Summerville.

Myth #7: United Way is running a Food Stamp program.

No, this is not true. The United Way is not running a separate Food Stamp program, but it is true that you must meet residential and income qualifications in order to be eligible for food stamps.

Myth #8: Hotels aren’t honoring the “no tax” policy

Evacuees don't have to pay hotel and motel taxes until October 14, but you must complete a form. Ask the hotel or motel for a "certificate of exemption" form.

And yes, you must prove residency in a federally declared disaster area, and that you are not just on vacation.