[realmoxies]

Hello Fellow Villagers,

Just found a four foot gator in my back yard tonight. We called the Community Watch and the Sheriff Dept and both said that since it was in our back yard, on our property, they wouldn't do anything to assist. They told us to stay inside, sheriff said to do anything we wanted. Would firing a weapon within the Villages be frowned upon in this situation? Makes you wonder.

Just thought I'd share this as we assumed that someone would be available for this type of situation. I guess not...

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by realmoxies

Hello Fellow Villagers,



Just found a four foot gator in my back yard tonight. We called the Community Watch and the Sheriff Dept and both said that since it was in our back yard, on our property, they wouldn't do anything to assist. They told us to stay inside, sheriff said to do anything we wanted. Would firing a weapon within the Villages be frowned upon in this situation? Makes you wonder.



Just thought I'd share this as we assumed that someone would be available for this type of situation. I guess not...

Don't shoot it, just let it be.

[realmoxies]

Let it be? I did mention that it was in a villa backyard, villas are walled in with one way in and out. I have a pug and a newly replaced hip so... letting it be is not an option. Daylight will be interesting.

[RickeyD]

Mornings sometimes bring new beginnings. Do what you have to do tomorrow if need be and have careful aim. No one will complain because of one shot. I'm sure an able bodied neighbor can handle the carcass for you. Good luck !

[MelZ]

Contact a licensed trapper

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by MelZ

Contact a licensed trapper

then put a gate on that "one way in"

[Susanlynde]

call the FL Nuisance Alligator hotline at 866-392-4286. They will arrange to have a licensed trapper remove the alligator from your property.

[rivaridger1]

Neither Community Watch or the Sheriffs' Department knew about this common sense solution ????? Sort of makes you wonder why, doesn't it ? I live in a Villa also and while a firearms enthusiast would not want anyone firing off a .357 Mag or greater caliber round next to my backyard ( about the only thing that would kill it ) next to my house. Save the shooting for the range. Call the hotline.

[MikeV]

Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be. "The Beatles". Take lots of pictures. It will leave when it wants to. OR, just shoot it and make Gator Tail Fritters.

[billethkid]

The reality of the situation will dictate what needs to be done.

All else is opinion/suggestion from those not in the back yard where it is happening.

Good to know there are a couple of new phone numbers to be added to my contacts.

[The20Percent]

There is a guy on Hwy 44 (past Brownwood but closer to the new Rohan Rec center) that sells rocks outside his business. His main business is in the building behind these rocks. He is a gator trapper and has an incredibly good business selling Florida gator parts all over the country. I bet he would be willing to remove that gator since he will probably make a few dollars from it in the process.

[blueash]

Florida law prohibits shooting alligators. While you may escape prosecution using the 'I was scared for my dog" defense, don't count on it. In August 2016 in Sumter county a man was charged with killing an alligator that was approaching his horses. He shot but failed to immediately kill the alligator. His step son, also an adult, apparently thinking the gator was dead got himself bitten when he was helping "move the body"

"Blanton says he didn’t have time to call the hotline of a licensed trapper. “And if I had just left him alone, he would have had one of them horses,” said Blanton.

Blanton has now paid $100 in court costs and a $50 fine and the case is over"

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by realmoxies

Hello Fellow Villagers,

Just found a four foot gator in my back yard tonight. We called the Community Watch and the Sheriff Dept and both said that since it was in our back yard, on our property, they wouldn't do anything to assist. They told us to stay inside, sheriff said to do anything we wanted. Would firing a weapon within the Villages be frowned upon in this situation? Makes you wonder.

Just thought I'd share this as we assumed that someone would be available for this type of situation. I guess not...

Yes

[Villager Joyce]

Please update. Still there today?

[Mickedamouse24]

Just leave it alone! It found it's way into your yard and I am sure it will find it's way out!!! Just look but don't encounter or touch!! It only becomes a problem when you make it a problem!!!