Gator in Villa backyard

[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]

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]

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 (http://myfox8.com/2016/08/18/florida-man-arrested-for-shooting-alligator-that-attacked-his-son/)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 (http://wfla.com/2016/08/17/fwc-stands-by-arrest-of-man-for-killing-alligator-without-a-permit/)"

[Marathon Man]

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]

:laugh: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!!!

[DonH57]

It may leave on it's own if it figures no treats are in store.

[Here2Stay]

Wow, the Villages would not assist, well....call A Orlando News Station to cover this story, they love these types of stories, that will get the Villages attention, they certainly don't want this going national with all the snowbirds here buying homes! I hate to think we have no support for the Villages not to monitor this and assist. good luck

[justjim]

Hard to believe that Community Watch or the sheriff's office wouldn't make a call for you. What the h--- do we pay our taxes or fees for. I'm waiting to hear the rest of the story.

[golf2140]

Wow, the Villages would not assist, well....call A Orlando News Station to cover this story, they love these types of stories, that will get the Villages attention, they certainly don't want this going national with all the snowbirds here buying homes! I hate to think we have no support for the Villages not to monitor this and assist. good luck

Not an issue to be addressed by others than the home owner !!!

[UpNorth]

Get in touch with The Villages Archery Club. Bet they'd love to have a live target. Very accurate, high powered bows. How big is the gator?

[Chi-Town]

How about a photo?

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[Hummintwo]

The gator is probably not the only one that has entered your Villa since construction buildout. The gator is following its natural state and probably not lost just confused by all the construction that keeps it from getting to a pond or some body of water. The fact you have a dog shows you can't let sleep gator lie. Call the telephone numbers provided to you and don't let your pet outside alone until you know the gator has cleared one way or the other. There are State of Florida statutes that prohibit the firing of a firearm in residential areas with certain exceptions. I guess if the gator broke into your home that might qualify but since I am not authority, you can call Sumter County Sheriff's for your answer.

[jgm3279]

May I ask where you are located? Just curious!

[justjim]

Since we haven't any update from the OP, hope the Gator didn't get into the Villa. This could turn out like the so called "beargate" of five or six years ago. The suppose black bear sighting in the Village of Winfred never was validated. Just a thought......

[champion6]

I learned that Community Watch will not enter private property to retrieve an animal -- even a dead animal.

I found a dead bobcat in my yard - there was a pasture behind me. No, I don't know why it died.

When I called TV Customer Service, I was told CW wouldn't get it from my yard. Then the woman asked, "Since it's dead, can you move it to the curb?"

I used a shovel to relocate it to the curb and called back Customer Service. They called CW and it was gone in less than an hour.

[kcrazorbackfan]

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.

A .22 Long Rifle in the brain will kill it; hunted gators in Louisiana back in 2001.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Wow, the Villages would not assist, well....call A Orlando News Station to cover this story, they love these types of stories, that will get the Villages attention, they certainly don't want this going national with all the snowbirds here buying homes! I hate to think we have no support for the Villages not to monitor this and assist. good luck

Seriously? Call an Orlando TV station? Good lord, let sleeping dogs lie; the OP was provided options to call several services to have it removed; let them worry about it.

[CFrance]

A .22 Long Rifle in the brain will kill it; hunted gators in Louisiana back in 2001.
Oh yeah, let's just kill the summabich.

[Barefoot]

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!!!
:agree:

[lclear]

It is unlawful to intentionally kill, injure, possess, or capture, or attempt to kill, injure, possess, or capture, an alligator or other crocodilian, or the eggs of an alligator or other crocodilian, unless authorized by the rules of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Call that number and they will remove it.

[HimandMe]

I hope you didn't tell people where you live. They'll bring lawn chairs. By now it has probably made its way back to the pond.

[Connie32]

Wondering what village, I might live near by. I would like to know what might go from that yard to mine.

[NathanNAngelosNON]

I would shoot it!!!

[NathanNAngelosNON]

What neighborhood are you and the Gator in?

[graciegirl]

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...

I am skeptical about the validity of this post. This isn't the time alligators wander. That is in the mating season in May-June. I imagine if one was found in the backyard that Community Watch would offer practical solutions on whom to call. Perhaps a fee would be involved to take it away.

I hope that next time the relatively new OP takes a picture so I won't challenge the truth of this post.

[sharoni]

We also had one that size walking down our street and parking itself on porches...A little scary at first as we had just moved into our villa in Charlotte...We just left it alone, as it slowly walked its way down the road to a nearby pond...Remember, they were here first and we just need to be mindful of that!

[doran]

When I was sitting on the bank of a river at dusk in Kenya I was pulled from behind by security as a 15' Croc jumped out of the water to consume me. A small alligator is no worries. Please put your firearms away I live close enough if you miss, I may get hit!

[yammie]

How did the alligator get into the backyard of your villa? My villa has a wall and fences.

[asianthree]

Still waiting to hear how gator was removed

[SALYBOW]

OK what's the latest on Mr. Gator?

[VILLAGERBB]

Which village?

[rcook715]

WHAT's the conclusion?

[ColdNoMore]

WHAT's the conclusion?

The homeowner now has some new alligator handbags, wallets and shoes. :D

[Yung Dum]

I hope you didn't tell people where you live. They'll bring lawn chairs. By now it has probably made its way back to the pond.
I'm saving a few seats to watch it.

[ColdNoMore]

:22yikes:.....:22yikes:......:22yikes:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-A57GtV2p8

[Chi-Town]

The homeowner now has some new alligator handbags, wallets and shoes. :D
And some meat on the table.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Marathon Man]

Where is the OP with the answers.

[Chi-Town]

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.
It's been two dayllghts...........

Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

[rubicon]

This is the OP's 3 rd post. If what the OP has said about the sheriff's Office and Community Watch is true then why isn't the rest of the story true. The best advice was given by the poster that offered the alligator hot line that number is gong in my contacts.

[BritParrothead]

How did the alligator get into the backyard of your villa? My villa has a wall and fences.

A gator is capable of climbing a six foot high wall, no problem !!

[perrjojo]

A gator is capable of climbing a six foot high wall, no problem !!

No, but a 4 foot gator can slip under the gate. They can also,dig under. It has happened before

[BritParrothead]

No, but a 4 foot gator can slip under the gate. They can also,dig under. It has happened before

Yes they can climb, I have just watched one climb a 4 foot fence!!

[Henryk]

So, what happened? Please...

[Barefoot]

Yes they can climb, I have just watched one climb a 4 foot fence!!
Yes, gators can climb fences.
Like HenryK, I'd also like to know what happened.

[perrjojo]

[QUOTE=BritParrothead;1350013]Yes they can climb, I have just watched one climb a 4 foot fence!![/QUOTE

Oops! Posted twice.

[perrjojo]

Yes they can climb, I have just watched one climb a 4 foot fence!!

Sorry, I thought you were being facetious. My point meant to be they can always find a way to get where they want to go.

[Henryk]

Yes they can climb, I have just watched one climb a 4 foot fence!!

I have recently read many articles saying they can climb fences. They can also dig under them.

However, my villa has smooth walls, not Page or wooden fences. But now I wonder if they could jump over the wall.

[Barefoot]

Sorry, I thought you were being facetious. My point meant to be they can always find a way to get where they want to go.Absolutely, if gators are motivated, they'll find a way.
Luckily, it seems that what motivates them most is sex with another gator. :girlneener:

[CFrance]

Absolutely, if gators are motivated, they'll find a way.
Luckily, it seems that what motivates them most is sex with another gator. :girlneener:
Gracious... I am SHOCKED!

[Junebugs]

Ninja Gator! Alligator climbs fence. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/7Qp_bUYPrTg)

Video of gator climbing a fence

[HimandMe]

Ninja Gator! Alligator climbs fence. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/7Qp_bUYPrTg)

Video of gator climbing a fence

Wow...learned something...imagine what the big ones can do. I'm glad they are not crocs!

[New York Transplant]

How the heck did it get in the courtyard villa? The courtyards have a gate etc

[Sandtrap328]

I looked at the video and that little alligator climbed over a chain link fence. Those are not at all similar to the concrete walls of a villa. The alligator would have footholds in the chain link but not on the concrete.

Now, if the OP left his gate open, it is possible but the gator would also be free to walk back out the same way.

[Lovey2]

I looked at the video and that little alligator climbed over a chain link fence. Those are not at all similar to the concrete walls of a villa. The alligator would have footholds in the chain link but not on the concrete.

Now, if the OP left his gate open, it is possible but the gator would also be free to walk back out the same way.

Alligators could climb up our seawalls where I lived in Southwest Florida. They were concrete slab walls. Thankfully they rarely came up in the canals, but it has happened.