Is it safe to walk after dark?

[GoHawks!]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

I haven’t seen any……..it’s safe.
Carry a big stick!

[tophcfa]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

No worries, it is safe. These animals won't attack you unless you corner them and put them in a position where they need to defend themselves. Humans are not on their menu, but small dogs and cats are, so watch out if you are walking on of these. We have a family of bobcats that live in the preserve behind our house and we see them often walking on the top rung of the fence to get an elevated vantage point so they can pounce on small critters for a snack. We love watching them and never worry about them as our dog is bigger than the bobcats. One of them is a three legged bobcat, probably got one of its legs chomped off by a gator in the preserve. The only critter I worry about in the Villages (except for obnoxious humans) are the aggressive and poisonous cotton mouth/water moccasin snakes that live in the swampy preserve. Our lawn guy has had to get away from a couple while mowing on the fence line during the warm and wet season.

[Stu from NYC]

Not many sidewalks where we live so to me the biggest worry is getting hit by car or golf cart.

Where a light color or something reflective.

[Mortal1]

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.

[Topspinmo]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.


I would be more concerned about drunks in golf carts AND Cars than wild animals. Make sure you’re lite up like Xmas tree and be ready to get off the path or street. Now if walking on wilderness trails some concern with wildlife, like snakes, gators, and the rare Jaguar that are nocturnal. I don’t think bobcat would Bother human. If walking in residential neighborhood little concern wildlife.

[JMintzer]

Carry pepper spray if you're concerned...

[Topspinmo]

Carry pepper spray if you're concerned...


Or 38:)

[tophcfa]

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.

A Panther would never attack a manly kind of man, but perhaps they would pounce when they suspect the vulnerability of someone with a Napoleon complex?

[mikreb]

https://pin.it/1NmTsWZ

[stanley]

Or 38:)

I prefer 9mm myself.............To me it's like Mastercard...never leave home without it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Bobcats are timid creatures who really don't like people at all. They'll avoid you, unless you corner them.

[DAVES]

Carry pepper spray if you're concerned...

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

[stanley]

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

No..no..no..no..no

[RICH1]

It's a Good time to return the Casserole dishes!

[MrFlorida]

I would worry more about bad drivers than wildlife.

[Two Bills]

The Villages shuts at 9pm.
Most of the drunks will have made it home by 10pm.
Take flashlights, phone, .45 Magnum, mace , pepper spray and body armour.
You will be fine!:icon_wink:

PS. Beware of Community Security patrols, they have been known to shoot first and ask questions after.

[westernrider75]

Yikes! What area do you live in?

[Rwirish]

Watch out for wild animals.

[Arctic Fox]

...people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages.

Around 400 people in the USA are killed by wild animals each year

Avoid the top seven: deer (200), bees (100), dogs (30), cows (20), snakes (15), spiders (7) and bears (2) and you should get home safely.

[Laker14]

The Villages shuts at 9pm.
Most of the drunks will have made it home by 10pm.
Take flashlights, phone, .45 Magnum, mace , pepper spray and body armour.
You will be fine!:icon_wink:

PS. Beware of Community Security patrols, they have been known to shoot first and ask questions after.

Ahh....good info to have. It explains all of those dead bodies I've been noticing on my morning walks.

[Girlcopper]

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.
Your belief is wrong. Pepper spray isny considered a weapon

[Two Bills]

Watch out for wild animals.

Cougers are usually back in their dens by 10pm!

[drgoofy]

Years ago, I often went for long jogs on country roads. I wanted to carry an expandable baton but the employee at the police supply store suggested pepper spray. I tried using it on a large dog, and it wasn't fazed. After that I carried a small spray bottle with ammonia. It worked much better!

[FromNY]

Walk with a friend. Would be more concerned about two footed or 4 wheeled critters. Be smart and safe.

[GoPacers]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

Enjoy your walks. Nothing is going to bother you.

Of course, you could stay holed up in your home with your .38, a .45 and your full auto AK if your like some who are worried about all the crime here in The Villages. Those evil square dwellers, golf cart devils and roundabout rogues are known across the world for their random attacks on unsuspecting seniors.

[airdale2]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.
4 AM is my favorite time to start a walk. Carry a good flashlight and mace, as a shot of mace is very effective in backing off a stray
unfriendly dog.

[bowlingal]

don't walk on a golf course...no lights and nocturnal predators abound

[Villages Kahuna]

Totally safe.

[LoisR]

Wear a strong of garlic around your neck. It even protects you from vampires.

[Skunky1]

Beware of the dog walker with a long leash. Good luck!

[th2142a]

Carry pepper spray if you're concerned...

Carry a Glock

[Buckeye Bleau]

I walk at night and like it as well. The biggest hazard that I have encountered is the drunks returning home from their party or the square. Twice my wife and I had to jump to the yards nearby to escape the car.

[Astron]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.
Is it possible to be attacked by an animal while walking at night? Sure, but you have much higher odds of being injured by the rolling beasts of The Villages. I wear an inexpensive high visibility safety sash or vest that is reflective and a flashlight. Enjoy the nighttime stroll but stay aware of your surroundings and you will return home safely. MOONSASH -- Made in USA > The Original Patented Reflective Sash > Reversible, Stylish, Durable, No-Fuss Night Walking Gear for Men, Women, Kids > in Neon Yellow or Midnight Black > Be Safe! Be SEEN! https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QCMSXDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_055W0NF8W45RFV67JH66

[paulajr]

..and..it’s considered trespassing...


don't walk on a golf course...no lights and nocturnal predators abound

[toeser]

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

Nope, not needed.

[toeser]

..and..it’s considered trespassing...

When golf course service vehicles stop driving on my lawn, I'll stop walking on the golf course.

[toeser]

Around 400 people in the USA are killed by wild animals each year

Avoid the top seven: deer (200), bees (100), dogs (30), cows (20), snakes (15), spiders (7) and bears (2) and you should get home safely.

Don't worry about deer, LOL. Those are car/deer accidents, not deer attacking people.

[Two Bills]

Wear a strong of garlic around your neck. It even protects you from vampires.

.....or a white wooden cross.

[golfing eagles]

Cougers are usually back in their dens by 10pm!

But with whom?????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[dlebuis]

I walk after dark every night. I wear a flashing red light and carry a flashlight. Been doing it for a couple of years and never had a problem.

[MandoMan]

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.

[Arctic Fox]

Don't worry about deer, LOL. Those are car/deer accidents, not deer attacking people.

Very true.

The roads would be a lot safer if they banned them from driving (I don't think they even have to pass a test?)

[J1ceasar]

Coyotes live here, buy hi intensity yellow at Walmart
, Carry an Air horn and or baton for sure and spray for mosquitoes

[b0bd0herty]

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

You are correct. You are not an expert. No license required to open carry pepper spray that has less than two ounces. Thus sayeth Google.

[dnobles]

Please don’t wear black. We ride our bikes early in the morning so many walkers have black on. You are not visible in black. One man was standing in the middle of the street in black playing a game on his phone. I couldn’t see him until I was a few feet away.

[bilcon]

don't walk on a golf course...no lights and nocturnal predators abound

Golf courses are off limits for walking except if you are playing golf. At night, I have seen many creatures roaming when I sit on my screened in lanai on the golf course. Gators love to come out for a walk at night.

[Ele201]

That’s a good question, on the bobcats. While we’re on the topic of safety: I’m wondering is it safe for a woman to walk at night by herself in The Villages? Like you, I enjoy walking at night when things are calm and cool. Thanks. I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

[Billy1]

Some one just warned you that you could be hit by a 9mm through and through or a miss, the bullet could come through your window or wall even if your not walking.

[Don5154]

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

Wrong...if you’re not sure.....don’t post bad information

[JoeManz99]

Or a 357

[Neils]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

Snakes love to keep warm on the pavement after dark. Can be ankle biters. Very hard to see them without a good light.

[Aqtlow]

With all this talk of 38’s,45’s,and 9 mm’s you will need to be a dam good shot to to hit a coyote running in the dark, lol.
As a side note as to home defense—
bullets leave holes and a bloody mess,
A fresh can of wasp spray in your night stand is a great defensive tool - sprays 20 feet and blinds ( temporarily) while you get the bat or while you call 911 ( less mess ) to clean up. Just saying.

[donfey]

PLEASE wear white/bright clothing, and walk facing traffic.

[sallyg]

Carry a flashlight and wear something reflective. Drivers are much more of a hazard than animals.

[kendi]

A Panther would never attack a manly kind of man, but perhaps they would pounce when they suspect the vulnerability of someone with a Napoleon complex?

Learned in TV wildlife class that there are no panthers in TV. Only bobcats that people mistake for panthers.

[hal195z]

Also, carry a 2 or 3 iron and make use of a club you never plan to use anyway. I would say a 1 iron, but almost nobody has one any more.

[Leadbone1]

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

😂Wrong

[DaleDivine]

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.[/QUOTE]
The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
:welcome:

[Bogie Shooter]

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.
The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
:welcome:[/QUOTE]

Hard to see them small balls at night.:1rotfl:

What does national parks bears,have to do with a stroll in TV?

[DaleDivine]

[QUOTE=MandoMan;1948519]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.

I have a friend that has a home overlooking Lake Miona, He took photos and a video of a Florida panther walking along his fence line near the preserve. It was tan colored and had a long tail that went down to the ground. And was much larger than a bobcat.
:shocked::shocked:

[DaleDivine]

The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
:welcome:

Hard to see them small balls at night.:1rotfl:

What does national parks bears,have to do with a stroll in TV?[/QUOTE]
Nothing in there about small balls.
And was just meant to be humorous like a lot of the other posts on TOTV.
:a040::boxing2:

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

I prefer 9mm myself.............To me it's like Mastercard...never leave home without it.
Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

[Tennisbum]

was that a short joke! Wee people are offended!

[PugMom]

Cougers are usually back in their dens by 10pm!

but the 2-legged kind may still be lurking about!:icon_wink:

[worahm]

I have lived in this area for over 25 years. Over the years I have experienced a momma bear with her cub in my back yard, two families of fox sit by the woods edge at 4pm every afternoon for weeks, watching their litter romp in the grass in my back yard, A Florida Panther walking down my sidewalk, several racoons climbing the oak tree in my front yard, a young eagle who decided to spent the night inside the screen enclosure on my lanai. And, a 6 foot alligator sleeping in a garden near my front door.
Not once, did I feel threatened or unsafe. They demonstated no hostility and left the area of their own accord within a half hour. I keep my distance and look forward to their visits.

[stanley]

Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

The Village of Silver Lake......you can stay away if you're afraid.

[Chi-Town]

Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

Perhaps he was channeling his inner Barney Fife who carried in dangerous Mayberry.

[Taltarzac725]

Not many sidewalks where we live so to me the biggest worry is getting hit by car or golf cart.

Where a light color or something reflective.

You have that right.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Tom. You are not worrying the right way. My wife could teach you. She's an expert.

[DALEPQ]

We live in Fernandina, I have commented to my spouse, that we see many single ladies
walking past us in the evening, without apparent fear or concern! It is a great idea to be
"lite up" so that others can see the person walking, very common to see that. I do think
T.V. "Patrol" does have a positive factor in keeping up the safety of T.V. In Fernandina
we don't seem to have much concern about "wild critters" attacking people.

[stanley]

Perhaps he was channeling his inner Barney Fife who carried in dangerous Mayberry.

:blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

:ohdear:

[jimjamuser]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.
Bobcats are about as dangerous and big as house cats. They would be more afraid of you. You could kick them to death if you wanted to. Panthers are rare and rarely attack humans. You could carry mace spray to be sure. Now alligators are a different story. At night they are aggressive and it may be mating season, so don't walk too close to lakes. You might try walking around hilly streets. Or around a softball field or a golf course because the grass will be cut low and you likely would see an alligator coming. You could also walk around a square. If you ever would happen to have an alligator attack you - remember they are fast and can outrun you - climb a tree if desperate. Also at night, you have a pretty good chance of seeing coyotes. it is rare for them to bother you, but your imagination could make you think that they are a panther. Coyotes are plentiful and I find their howling to be relaxing at night. Mace would easily take care of a coyote.

Now to the MOST dangerous animal on the planet.....fellow humans. TV Land is relatively safe from criminal activity, but it IS NOT zero. A woman should not wear suggestive clothes when walking at night and avoid the bars on the squares. Speaking of clothes........wear a reflective something or a white or yellow top so that vehicles can see you and walk facing traffic when on the streets. That's all that I can think of.

[ryoungs]

I prefer 9mm myself.............To me it's like Mastercard...never leave home without it.
Nonsense. How terrible. I have traveled solo all over the world, and have been a backwoodsman all my adult. I've never felt the need to carry a gun.

[stanley]

Nonsense. How terrible. I have traveled solo all over the world, and have been a backwoodsman all my adult. I've never felt the need to carry a gun.

Good for you. It's not for everyone

[JMintzer]

Nonsense. How terrible. I have traveled solo all over the world, and have been a backwoodsman all my adult. I've never felt the need to carry a gun.

Good for you...

[zendog3]

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.
According to Wikipedia, there have been 11 fatal cougar attacks in North America, in the last 30 years. Many of these in Canada, and all of them west of the Mississippi River. In the last 20 years there have been only five.

[Madelaine Amee]

Several years ago the local paper ran an article on people who walked at night. One story was of a German lady whose husband had dementia and she would walk at 3am. It was the only time she felt safe leaving him. She informed Community Watch she would be out walking and they kept an eye o her.

I walk very early and it is often still dark. Golf Carts are your biggest enemy, they are not yet fully awake and they do not expect to see people on the road.

[nancyre]

Someone in my neighborhood got a photo of a Black Bear walking down the street in Pine Ridge.

[JMintzer]

According to Wikipedia, there have been 11 fatal cougar attacks in North America, in the last 30 years. Many of these in Canada, and all of them west of the Mississippi River. In the last 20 years there have been only five.

I was attacked by a Cougar when I was 21...

Thankfully, it wasn't fatal...

I still remember it fondly, to this day... ;)

[JoelJohnson]

70 years old, never had a gun or knife pointed at me. I don't need a gun.

[kcrazorbackfan]

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

A couple of years ago I was walking down St. Charles at about 5am and a big coyote came off of Jacaranda and came within about 10yds of me. I had the .380 out if he came any closer to me.

[Tnbrewer]

I saw a few at city fire at midnight
😳👀

[DaleDivine]

70 years old, never had a gun or knife pointed at me. I don't need a gun.
Not too many wild animals around here carry guns or knives.
:bigbow::bigbow:

[Topspinmo]

I prefer 9mm myself.............To me it's like Mastercard...never leave home without it.

I prefer my 32 cal. Baby Vaquero single sixes.

[Topspinmo]

Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

I take it you don’t go out in public much? Probably encounter more people carrying that swat team.

[JMintzer]

70 years old, never had a gun or knife pointed at me. I don't need a gun.

63 years old. Had one pointed at me twice...

And frankly, I don't care what you need...

[stebooo]

No body out that late. Wear reflect and carry ma e 3ven though you won't use you will feel better. You'll see more critters that people by far.