Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Is it safe to walk after dark?
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Old 05-22-2021, 06:35 AM
MandoMan MandoMan is offline
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Originally Posted by Mortal1 View Post
Wear light colors, carry a flashlight, you have a phone(carry it). As to the person who says panthers(pumas or mtn. lions)will not attack humans except when cornered....that simply is not true. They are unpredictable and have been known to attack people in broad daylight. Some people know not what they say.

Is it safe? Never really has been...anywhere...but it's safer here than most places. Worried about wild animals? Stay away from wooded areas...carry a whistle.
I don’t think there has been a documented sighting of a Florida panther in The Villages. They weigh about four to six times as much as a bobcat. More like Great Dane size. If you live near a swamp and have seen bobcats, be careful about leaving your little lap dog outside by itself at night, but you don’t do that, anyway. It won’t be attacked if you are walking it on a leash, and you won’t, either.

If you are walking at night, please wear a fluorescent green vest with reflective trim. These only cost about $5. While it’s easier to see people in light-colored clothing than dark at night, it only helps a little, especially when cars are using their low beams or there is a bicyclist with a weak headlight or none at all. Your risk of getting hit by something with wheels is much greater than the risk of getting attacked by a bobcat, even on some sidewalk where someone might be riding a bike. Also, carry a flashlight.

Here is a map of documented panther sightings.
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