Dog dies in Alligator attack.

[Two Bills]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

[jimbomaybe]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

Take responsibility for one own actions? what a novel concept, all my problems concerns are the fault of ,start with, caused by , some one ,some thing, some group, victimizing , abusing, failure to respect me , mine , sabotaging my intentions, its quite clear

[Altavia]

Fishermen are essentially feeding the Alligators South of 44. The gators watch and attack when they pull a catch up the bank...

The idiots don't have enough sense to move on when seeing the gators. Some seem to be even be making sport out of it.

[MDLNB]

I have no problem with the idea of either moving the gator or killing it. As far as I know, they are not our friends and other than food, baggage and footwear, the only service they seem to provide is moat security. Actually, they might also be good for removing some of the lower intelligence level folks that seem to think it's great to get close to the gator and take photos of them.
Dogs are supposed to be on leash but that does not mean they deserve such a horrible ending to their lives. They provide a lot better companionship than a reptile. But, it seems that many dog owners do not have a clue as to the responsibility of pet ownership.

[TrapX]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

[Tom&JenC]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

Maybe a sign or 2 not to walk dogs near the water. A newcomer or visitor might not know the danger. Most people here have never even seen a gator apart from a zoo.
On the other hand The Villages should have a full time alligator control crew.
Catch and release a certain percentage into the everglades and a certain percentage to market.

[Djean1981]

Did they actually kill the alligator, for being an alligator? Alligators are not domestic animals...

[MrFlorida]

If the dog attacked the gator, would you put the dog down ?

[NoMo50]

It is a shame the poor dog paid the price due to the ignorance of its owner. But...whoever was hosting this visitor should have warned him/her of the danger of letting dogs run free near any body of water. Alligators do two things, and two things only: eat, and make baby alligators.

[dewilson58]

So. Why?

U kno y.

[Bill14564]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

They probably feel the same way and wish we would go away so they can enjoy the area they lived in long before we got here.

[dhdallas]

I volunteer to adopt the gator after they catch him. I could really use him to eliminate more than a few neighborhood nuisance dogs that constantly bark and yip. Maybe a few neighbors too!

Leave the gator alone. Alligator lives matter. Yankees go home!

[Topspinmo]

Take responsibility for one own actions? what a novel concept, all my problems concerns are the fault of ,start with, caused by , some one ,some thing, some group, victimizing , abusing, failure to respect me , mine , sabotaging my intentions, its quite clear

Yep, who guess I have pay my basket weaving loan off. O wait :a040::a040:

[Topspinmo]

I volunteer to adopt the gator after they catch him. I could really use him to eliminate more than a few neighborhood nuisance dogs that constantly bark and yip. Maybe a few neighbors too!

Leave the gator alone. Alligator lives matter. Yankees go home!


You know some gators eat there own……..ers…

[sajoe]

Will someone who was actually there when the alligator was caught tell me how big it was? There was a time when Florida considered any alligator over 6 feet to be a possible threat to humans.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

There are lot of stupid people in this world. Sad for the dog. I guess the owner learned a lesson.

[Two Bills]

Maybe a sign or 2 not to walk dogs near the water. A newcomer or visitor might not know the danger. Most people here have never even seen a gator apart from a zoo.
On the other hand The Villages should have a full time alligator control crew.
Catch and release a certain percentage into the everglades and a certain percentage to market.

Which market were you thinking of releasing them in?
Not Marion I hope!:icon_wink:

[Number 10 GI]

Alligators aren't just a threat to dogs.

Disney gator attack: 2-year-old Nebraska boy found dead - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/us/alligator-attacks-child-disney-florida/index.html)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Maybe a sign or 2 not to walk dogs near the water. A newcomer or visitor might not know the danger. Most people here have never even seen a gator apart from a zoo.
On the other hand The Villages should have a full time alligator control crew.
Catch and release a certain percentage into the everglades and a certain percentage to market.[/QUOTE]

Which market were you thinking of releasing them in?
Not Marion I hope!:icon_wink:

Alligator meat is pretty popular fare down here in Florida. It's a staple at many restaurants.

[MartinSE]

Will someone who was actually there when the alligator was caught tell me how big it was? There was a time when Florida considered any alligator over 6 feet to be a possible threat to humans.

It is not uncommon to relocate an alligator if it kills or eats something it shouldn't. The problem is not that the gator did anything wrong, it is that they become accustomed. If they eat a small dog once, then the next time they get hungry and a small dog is around, they munch on it. Or a small person, or whatever.

It is certainly the dog owners fault. Sad but true. We do live with a lot of wild animals and need to be aware they are WILD animals, and they were here first. Beware, be cautious, and you will be find. Very few wild animals are actively aggressive. Feed them, or any them and they can get "cranky" - kind of like me.

[MartinSE]

Alligator meat is pretty popular fare down here in Florida. It's a staple at many restaurants.

When I lived in S Florida, I frequently went to the Keys and while they I had to have Gator Tail Burgers. A bit more "gamey" than venison but not bad at all.

[MDLNB]

Alligators here before us? So? Trees were here also but we cut them down and use them. Poor trees. We are here now and we are the top of the food chain. Sorry about that....not really. If gators are a threat, then we get rid of them. Eat them, make useful products out of them or stuff them.....who cares? We are here now and why should we be concerned about their welfare? Because they look neat? Because the Yankees love to take photos of them to send to their Northern friends and family? Sorry, but humans get the top slot in The Villages. Pets get the second slot and gators can be moved or eaten.

[vintageogauge]

Fishermen are essentially feeding the Alligators South of 44. The gators watch and attack when they pull a catch up the bank...

The idiots don't have enough sense to move on when seeing the gators. Some seem to be even be making sport out of it.

And then they call animal control and have them slaughtered. Sad.

[Bilyclub]

The owner should have gotten a ticket for the unleashed dogs.

[Taltarzac725]

The other Villages site mentioned that the killed dog was pit bull sized. Sad all around.

[Boffin]

Dog is also tasty. Asa adobo in the Philippines.

[Sparky25]

Take responsibility for one own actions? what a novel concept, all my problems concerns are the fault of ,start with, caused by , some one ,some thing, some group, victimizing , abusing, failure to respect me , mine , sabotaging my intentions, its quite clear

I personally would like to see a FIVE THOUSAND to the owner for having the dogs off leash and for the cost of getting rid of the alligator.

[Robbb]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!


Its a reptile, get over it.

[photo1902]

I personally would like to see a FIVE THOUSAND to the owner for having the dogs off leash and for the cost of getting rid of the alligator.

There’s no cost to get rid of the gator. The trapper gets the meat or the money for the meat.

[MartinSE]

Alligators here before us? So? Trees were here also but we cut them down and use them. Poor trees. We are here now and we are the top of the food chain. Sorry about that....not really. If gators are a threat, then we get rid of them. Eat them, make useful products out of them or stuff them.....who cares? We are here now and why should we be concerned about their welfare? Because they look neat? Because the Yankees love to take photos of them to send to their Northern friends and family? Sorry, but humans get the top slot in The Villages. Pets get the second slot and gators can be moved or eaten.

From a practical point of view, yes, we are at the top of the food chain. But, there is no point in my opinion of wasting species. We never know where they next miracle drug or whatever will come from. I see no point is just killing or moving something just because it is "annoying" some people.

My use of the term "gators were here first" is not meant to say they have priority, it means they are all around, and will, unless completely eradicated, they will show up, and so, people need to be aware that they are living where wild animals are going to show up.

Bears are being seen with increasing frequency in city suburbs where developers have built in the bears normal range. That reduces their food and they go "looking" for more food. Some people leave food out which then attracts more bears and problems happen. Again, my comment was simple we need to be aware of what is here.

[dnobles]

How do they know they caught the right gator ?

[Two Bills]

Its a reptile, get over it.

It was only a dog as well.
Dead because of an AH owner!

[Taltarzac725]

https://www.brookfield.k12.oh.us/Downloads/Reinsel%20Go%20Green%20Day%202.pdf

Gators do help the environment. But, dogs are a huge help with people's mental health. Cannot say that of alligators. Not sure how much they help with man-made lakes and ponds.

[coralway]

good - the fewer poop machine mutts we have walking around here, the better

[DAVES]

If the dog attacked the gator, would you put the dog down ?

They were going to make that movie. No need to put the dog down, the gator will do it every time.

[JoMar]

Alligators aren't just a threat to dogs.

Disney gator attack: 2-year-old Nebraska boy found dead - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/us/alligator-attacks-child-disney-florida/index.html)

That was the fault of the parents.

[DAVES]

How do they know they caught the right gator ?

Reality, it almost does not matter. The movie JAWS, led to people killing any shark.
A alligator has a brain roughly the size of a pea. I knows EAT and reproduce. In the villages, they tend to get too used to people. I've read that people survived because they do not taste good. Alligators, do not even ask for salt and pepper.

[Garywt]

Driving around you see people down by the ponds all the time. Sitting, walking, picnicking etc. You see little kids running around as well as dogs. I many cases these people have jumped a fence to get into the area, no clue that the fences are there for a reason. Back when they had to take Larry away it was people felt the need to feed him so he started looking to be fed which became a major issue.

Sorry about the dog but the owner best face some charges.

[Taltarzac725]

Reality, it almost does not matter. The movie JAWS, led to people killing any shark.
A alligator has a brain roughly the size of a pea. I knows EAT and reproduce. In the villages, they tend to get too used to people. I've read that people survived because they do not taste good. Alligators, do not even ask for salt and pepper.

Gators were hunted by various Native American tribes-- carefully though. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/21e713/how_did_tribes_like_the_seminole_in_the/

[me4vt]

Sounds to me like the Pet Owner should have been the animal that was put down!!!!!!

[Worldseries27]

how do they know they caught the right gator ?
in a case of mistaken identity, they put a bullet through his heart.

[Worldseries27]

visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.
agreed, they should go the way of the dinosaur, i say put the arc committee on it. They'll hound them out of the villages.
ALSO THEY COULD CONSTRUCT A NEW BEDROCK VILLAGE AND RELOCATE ALL THE GATORS AND THEIR FANS THERE

[Mikey1588]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

Sorry but the Alligator has to go. Would you feel the same if the Alligator attacked your child or grandchild?

[fgsJr]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.
People are a nuisance to alligators!!!!!

[GmaLisaG]

This is Florida and where this is water there are gators . Even dogs on leashes are not real safe. Yes, they euthanize the gators. There's not a shortage of them so they aren't concerned. Relocating is not an option. I'm not a expert but I believe they would come back. There probably should be more signs here, I agree to that. Most people living or visiting here aren't from here and don't know. Stay safe ✌️

[valuemkt]

I guess we'll say the same thing when a stupid fisherman gets pulled down.

[Luggage]

The way of the world . T.s. for the idiot who lost their dog

[Luggage]

We need bigger signs.

[jaygbailey]

[QUOTE=Two Bills;2094657]So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

Alligators serve no function in our ponds other than to be predators of the pets that we love. They are a pest and should be removed from all our ponds.

[nhtexasrn]

I have no problem with the idea of either moving the gator or killing it. As far as I know, they are not our friends and other than food, baggage and footwear, the only service they seem to provide is moat security. Actually, they might also be good for removing some of the lower intelligence level folks that seem to think it's great to get close to the gator and take photos of them.
Dogs are supposed to be on leash but that does not mean they deserve such a horrible ending to their lives. They provide a lot better companionship than a reptile. But, it seems that many dog owners do not have a clue as to the responsibility of pet ownership.Alligators play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Sitting at the top of the food chain, alligators are apex predators and help keep other animal populations in balance, quoted from research I have done. No one is blaming the dog for being off leash, it's the ignorant owners who are to blame. Now an innocent dog is dead and an alligator soon to be dead, simply doing what they do naturally.

[MandoMan]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

Do you know what a “sacrificial diode” is in a water heater? It’s a replaceable metal rod that gets eaten up by ions in the water, dying so the water heater can live on. This was a “sacrificial pet.” Of course, given that a huge percentage of dogs in shelters are unwanted pit bulls, this one can be easily replaced.

[Dantes]

I feel the same way about dogs and cats

[Mushkie]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

The alligators are one of the many things I love LOVE about living in The Villages !!!

I have a difficult time believing the reason the visitor had their dogs off leash was due to ignorance regarding the existence of alligators in Florida. Roads are lines with billboards of alligators; gas stations and fruit stands advertise ALLIGATORS. No one can be that mentally challenged not to know there is LOTS OF WILDLIFE in Florida. I suspect the “visitor” just didn’t want to obey the leash laws and thought they were above the laws of nature.

All the wildlife is to be cherished and enjoyed here. Wild Alligators are typically not aggressive towards people- usually more scared of us than we are of them. Once alligators are fed by people, then they lose their fear of people and these interactions can happen more.

The bigger question is why do people purposely move somewhere with knowing certain issues exist- lots of wildlife, or freeway noise or lack of shops or too many shops or FREEDOM FROM
TYRANNY and then bitch and complain about those issues and try to change it into the place they lived before??

If you don’t love and in awe of the incredible wildlife The Villages has to offer- I feel sorry for you and suggest this is probably not the place for you. Don’t destroy the wildlife and the enjoyment it brings to others to suit your taste. Find a place that suits you better.

[gemini5001]

I certainly agree with you !

[MartinSE]

The bigger question is why do people purposely move somewhere with knowing certain issues exist- lots of wildlife, or freeway noise or lack of shops or too many shops or FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY and then bitch and complain about those issues and try to change it into the place they lived before??


Bingo. There are those that are not happy. PERIOD. I actually think someone them moved here with plans to change the place before they even got here.

It's like going to going to Disney world and complaining they don't have ball room dancing...

[mtdjed]

There should be a sanctuary for wild gators. Perhaps in some river in South Texas.

[Bill14564]

Sorry but the Alligator has to go. Would you feel the same if the Alligator attacked your child or grandchild?

Yes.

Difference is, as a parent I would be more attentive and not let my child be dangerously close to a pond in Florida. The parents in the Disney incident didn't think that way. The dog owner in this case had the dog off leash - who knows if they were thinking at all.

[nhtexasrn]

Alligators here before us? So? Trees were here also but we cut them down and use them. Poor trees. We are here now and we are the top of the food chain. Sorry about that....not really. If gators are a threat, then we get rid of them. Eat them, make useful products out of them or stuff them.....who cares? We are here now and why should we be concerned about their welfare? Because they look neat? Because the Yankees love to take photos of them to send to their Northern friends and family? Sorry, but humans get the top slot in The Villages. Pets get the second slot and gators can be moved or eaten.
Alligators play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Sitting at the top of the food chain, alligators are apex predators and help keep other animal populations in balance, quoted from research I have done. Now an innocent dog is dead and an alligator soon to be dead, simply doing what they do naturally. Remember when wolves were being hunted and shot in Yellowstone because they were a "nuisance"? In the 70 years of the wolves’ absence, the entire Yellowstone ecosystem fell out of balance. Coyotes ran rampant, and the elk population exploded, overgrazing willows and aspens. When wolves were re-introduced into the area, everything returned to the normal balance of nature and everything thrived.

[Cfdettmer]

Then you would have a problem. Most male alligators are over 6 ft. They can grow to about 12 ft. Females grow to about 6 ft. The male alligators are on the prowl right now looking for attractive females….

[Vermilion Villager]

They probably feel the same way and wish we would go away so they can enjoy the area they lived in long before we got here.

.....And long after we are gone!!

[CCristella]

If the dog was on a leash as it supposed to be, maybe it would not have happened?

[Don5154]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

They were here before you :bigbow:

[jmpalladino]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.
Who was here first the Alligator or the People? Maybe we should all go away!

[daveczo]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

They were here first. We have destroyed their areas. I would rather see less old humans.

[fdpaq0580]

https://www.brookfield.k12.oh.us/Downloads/Reinsel%20Go%20Green%20Day%202.pdf

Gators do help the environment. But, dogs are a huge help with people's mental health. Cannot say that of alligators. Not sure how much they help with man-made lakes and ponds.

One person's "emotional support animal" is another person's source of anxiety. As for alligators, living surrounded by an abundance of wildlife is good for you. It enriches your life and that is good for your mental health.
As for the dog off leash that got killed. That is 100% the fault of the dogs owner. Owners are responsible for their pets, where they go, who they go with and what they are exposed to. Poor dog, poor gator, bad owner.

[A-2-56]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

I seriously challenge that dilution. The alligators provide a very useful purpose to this ecosystem in Florida.
Did you ever read the story about how Yellowstone was suffering some serious eco challenges after they got rid of the wolves? Well many years later they saw the problem then brought back the wolves. The native grasses reappeared as the elk were forced back to the mountains, the other small animals came back and order restored.
You get rid of the gators you will have a real mess in Florida.

[TrapX]

You get rid of the gators you will have a real mess in Florida.

The rest of the country doesn't have alligators, and none have a "real mess".
All of these water retention ponds are manmade. None had any alligators before man built them.

[traveler9]

I was angered by this too. Dogs should not be off leash ever and should never be walked by our ponds. So the poor alligator pays with his life for an ignorant dog owner!!

[mgkw1]

This is Florida, they were here long before us. Leave them alone

[Bill14564]

The rest of the country doesn't have alligators, and none have a "real mess".
All of these water retention ponds are manmade. None had any alligators before man built them.

By that logic since Florida doesn't have an abundance of wolves then Yellowstone didn't really need them either.

The alligators aren't consuming pets and children by the dozens yet they are surviving. They must be eating something. What happens when that something is unchecked?

What do you think was here before the homes? Man tore up Florida nature to build developments. When man built some natural features, Florida nature returned.

[rsimpson]

Will someone who was actually there when the alligator was caught tell me how big it was? There was a time when Florida considered any alligator over 6 feet to be a possible threat to humans.

And can someone post here the date of the last reported alligator attack (in TV) on any human? Doesn't happen, we are too big to swallow.

[fdpaq0580]

And can someone post here the date of the last reported alligator attack (in TV) on any human? Doesn't happen, we are too big to swallow.

Alligators may attack if you get too close to a nest or they perceive a threat or think you are invading their territory. Same with most all animals, even dogs.

[jimbomaybe]

And can someone post here the date of the last reported alligator attack (in TV) on any human? Doesn't happen, we are too big to swallow.
I believe the gators have a work around for prey being too big to swallow, they get a good grip on one of your limbs and roll in one direction , limb is twisted off into a more manageable portion

[Bill14564]

I believe the gators have a work around for prey being too big to swallow, they get a good grip on one of your limbs and roll in one direction , limb is twisted off into a more manageable portion

Ok, so the last time *that* happened in TV was...??

[Sherry8bal]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

I totally agree with you here. The dog owner is the irresponsible jerk who should have never owned a pet in the first place and obviously thinks he/she is above the law by not leashing their pet. Then they have the nerve to want the alligator killed for doing what it's naturally doing? That's nuts and sounds like a stupid pet owner.

[VApeople]

The dog owner is the irresponsible jerk who should have never owned a pet in the first place and obviously thinks he/she is above the law by not leashing their pet. Then they have the nerve to want the alligator killed for doing what it's naturally doing? That's nuts and sounds like a stupid pet owner.

I completely agree.

[Joe V.]

They were here first. We have destroyed their areas. I would rather see less old humans.

Have you tried not looking in the mirror?

[jimbomaybe]

Ok, so the last time *that* happened in TV was...??
I didn't mean to suggest that a great danger existed, the bigger the gator the greater the appetite and less the intimidation of taking on larger prey, like most here I think whoever was walking the dog has the most responsibility, did not someone suggest a grandchild was in charge of the dog or that possibility ? if so how old ? , if that is any measure of expected good judgement, where I was previously leaving small dogs out in your yard unattended could end up with the dog being coyote food, yet people did it

[MDLNB]

Alligators play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Sitting at the top of the food chain, alligators are apex predators and help keep other animal populations in balance, quoted from research I have done. No one is blaming the dog for being off leash, it's the ignorant owners who are to blame. Now an innocent dog is dead and an alligator soon to be dead, simply doing what they do naturally.


They have no effect in OUR (TV) ecosystem, so they should go. We dominate, not the gators, not the birds, not pooping dogs.....we do. Gators have no use in TV.

IF/When there is an economic crisis and a food shortage, the gators will be the first to go and feed me for a sustained time. Then birds and squirrels in TV. Anyone that thinks we should coddle gators, can be their food source if they wish. Oh, and I won't go hungry. I've eaten dog meat before, so that won't slow me down either.

Gators have no redeeming quality in TV, other than a photo OP, so they need to go.

Fresh 'gator at Gator's anyone?

[MDLNB]

This is Florida, they were here long before us. Leave them alone


Trees were here before us also. Maybe we should not cut them down to build homes.

Gators are here to be eaten, make luggage and scare people, period. There is plenty of swamp in Florida for them to live in, not in a community of humans such as TV.



And for those that believe they are integral to our ecosystem, that's a big laugh.

[Gpsma]

Alligator was hungry and some stupid owner let that feces spewing, barking dope off the leash...oh, too bad, one less flee infected mongrel we have to deal with

[Hape2Bhr]

Do you know what a “sacrificial diode” is in a water heater? It’s a replaceable metal rod that gets eaten up by ions in the water, dying so the water heater can live on. This was a “sacrificial pet.” Of course, given that a huge percentage of dogs in shelters are unwanted pit bulls, this one can be easily replaced.

I lost a "sacrificial diode" in my computer once. Guessing you meant sacrificial anode, or anode rod. :a040:

[craigrmorrison]

Hopefully the alligator was just relocated and not euthanized. Poor choice for an unsuspecting visitor.

Hopefully more people coming to The Villages will check out posts to someone of the common Facebook groups and see first hand the need to respect our native critters.

[Lea N]

Maybe a sign or 2 not to walk dogs near the water. A newcomer or visitor might not know the danger. Most people here have never even seen a gator apart from a zoo.
On the other hand The Villages should have a full time alligator control crew.
Catch and release a certain percentage into the everglades and a certain percentage to market.

I agree a sign is a good idea. The owner made a deadly mistake, and their dog shouldn't have been off lead. The poor dog. This is something the owner will have to live with and they must be heartbroken.

I wish they would return the gators to the everglades too. I'm not sure if this is true or not but I've heard the reason they don't is because a female gator will return to the same spot every year, if it is a safe place for her young. Supposedly they can easily travel far.

It's hard to believe that people feed gators, but they do. Once a gator is used to being fed they expect it and have lost fear of people. Then they will attack a dog or even small child in a stroller, or walking, when they are hungry. During mating season which is May and June gators are even more dangerous.

[Altavia]

It's not helping when fishermen are teasing gators with a fish on a hook. The gators are following and chasing their fish up the bank when caught. Looks a lot like a dog on a leash...

And then there are the people feeding them...

Stupid people are making it no choice but to remove them once they see humans as a food source.

[jlstree]

I have no problem with the idea of either moving the gator or killing it. As far as I know, they are not our friends and other than food, baggage and footwear, the only service they seem to provide is moat security. Actually, they might also be good for removing some of the lower intelligence level folks that seem to think it's great to get close to the gator and take photos of them.
Dogs are supposed to be on leash but that does not mean they deserve such a horrible ending to their lives. They provide a lot better companionship than a reptile. But, it seems that many dog owners do not have a clue as to the responsibility of pet ownership.

I agree whole heartly

[DaleDivine]

:popcorn::popcorn:

[Boffin]

Great alligator bait.

[dhdallas]

The alligator was NOT the nuisance. The unleashed dog and owner were the nuisance. The gator took care of the dog but now we need to trap and relocate the dog owner! Leave the alligator alone!

[KJ1325]

Visitor didn't understand the danger. Sadly, it cost him his dog, Alligators are a nuisance to people and neighborhoods. No such thing as a "poor alligator". They all can go away so we can enjoy the area we live in.

The alligators were here before us. It's us that have taken their land and their home.

[Altavia]

The alligators were here before us. It's us that have taken their land and their home.

Well, the lakes here are man made. The Villages stocked then with fish creating a nice habitat for many forms of wildlife not found in the former pasture lands.

Problem is dumb dumb people make the animal a danger by associating humans with food feeding/catching fish, and bring dogs for them.

Alligator Safety | SREL Herpetology (http://srelherp.uga.edu/alligators/alligator-safety.htm)

[Taltarzac725]

I recall a group of what looked like Japanese tourists trying to get pictures of themselves almost straddling a very large gator that was sunning itself by a pond near Lake Tarpon in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Lake Tarpon, Florida, USA Vacation Info - LakeLubbers (https://lakelubbers.com/lake/lake-tarpon-florida-usa/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LxPAoKzbYQ

[MartinSE]

For the people that want to GET RID of alligators.

Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year.

1 fatality (human) by alligators annually.
57 deaths annually from bees.
50 deaths annually from dog bites (5 million bites per year)

Don't even get me started on people killed by people annually. Maybe we should get rid of all the people?

Stupid people will do stupid things and suffer the consequences. There is no way to protect people from themselves 100%.

[MartinSE]

Problem is dumb dumb people make the animal a danger by associating humans with food feeding/catching fish, and bring dogs for them.

Alligator Safety | SREL Herpetology (http://srelherp.uga.edu/alligators/alligator-safety.htm)

This is correct, and the sad reason alligators that bite have to be relocated or killed, since once they taste the dog (or child) they go back for seconds.

[TrapX]

For the people that want to GET RID of alligators.

Florida alligator bite statistics date back to 1948, ranging around three major bites per year.

1 fatality (human) by alligators annually.
57 deaths annually from bees.
50 deaths annually from dog bites (5 million bites per year)

Don't even get me started on people killed by people annually. Maybe we should get rid of all the people?

Stupid people will do stupid things and suffer the consequences. There is no way to protect people from themselves 100%.

If there is a thumbtack on the floor, I pick it up. Just because I might never step on it doesn't preclude me from wanting to make things better and safer. There ae lots of ways to protect people from themselves. Not 100%, but one bit at a time.

We can make our environment safer. Takes 1 brain cell to know that's a good thing. Alligators are useless pests. They provide nothing useful to me. I don't care if they wandered into a drainage pond before I lived here. There are 1,500,000 alligators in Florida. And more every year. 100 less won't matter.

You better be a 100% vegetarian. You are a hypocrite if you eat any meat if you value an alligator more than humans.

[Nucky]

What were we talking about? Oh yeah, an alligator and a dog's demise. :ohdear:

[Caymus]

Alligators are useless pests. They provide nothing useful to me.

They make good wallets.

[MartinSE]

You are a hypocrite if you eat any meat if you value an alligator more than humans.

This sentence makes no sense to me. So, I will just say, have a nice life.

I am going to campaign for killing all the Bees in the neighbors - since 50 times as many people die every year from bee stings than alligator bites. But, sadly I will have to give up vegetables, almonds, fruit and honey, since I don't want to be a hypocrite.

I have given up drinking because 10,000 times as many people die each year from drunk driving. I think Alcohol should be banned.

OH, and let's ban guns too since 1200 children die EVERY year from guns in their homes. I am sure no one here would like to be a hypocrite and have a gun when so many human lives are destroyed every year.

Yeah, that's the ticket. Thank you for saving me from being a hypocrite.

[Michael G.]

We all should be dam glad those alligators are there instead of Pythons. :shocked: :22yikes::yuck::eek:

[DonnaNi4os]

So.
A 'visitor' takes dogs, unleashed, for a walk around the pond located across from the postal station on Canal Street in the Village of Bonita.
Alligator does what hungry alligators do when they see a lunch, and takes and kills one of the dogs.
Trapper called to kill Alligator!
Why?
If someone is dumb enough to take dogs to a pond area, and let them off leash to wander, why has poor alligator got to die.
Surely owner should be charged with allowing dogs off leash, and cruelty to animals?
My entire sympathy is with alligator, and poor dog who died!

So sad all the way around, I just don’t understand anyone who allows their dogs to run off leash. It isn’t only gators that are a threat. Cars, coyote, bobcats and other dogs can be a threat you your dog no matter the size. A responsible owner does the right thing and keeps their dog ON LEASH unless in their own yard or home. It is our duty to keep them safe.

[Spalumbos62]

Well, the lakes here are man made. The Villages stocked then with fish creating a nice habitat for many forms of wildlife not found in the former pasture lands.

Problem is dumb dumb people make the animal a danger by associating humans with food feeding/catching fish, and bring dogs for them.

Alligator Safety | SREL Herpetology (http://srelherp.uga.edu/alligators/alligator-safety.htm)

So if the lakes are man made how come we have so many gators in them. People say there are gators in every body of water in fl.....so all the little ponds etc have them? Not trying to be funny ....took my husband quite a few years to get me to agree to moving down here and now it seems my fear is coming around.
There is a very small pond close to my house, yes I assume it has a gator...I never actually check, but has someone put their little baby gator in to get things started? Why don't they just scale the ponds somehow and remove them?...can you tell I'm scared?
Again it just baffles me...we're gonna build this beautiful community, homes and streets and trees and beautiful ponds here and there...and now, bc of what...the ponds are full of gators...did they all travel at night past the gate guards from outside the TV and jump in. This isn't caveman vs Adam..this is cow field, development, ponds...now full of gators........your turn, educate me. Pls

[EviesGP]

FYI. I'm not sure they have captured the gator, as I drove by there the other day, and the bait traps(large poles with meat on a hook dangling above the water) were still there?! If they haven't, at this point, I don't think they ever will(definintely capture THAT gator)?
And, there are alot of myths about the dangers of alligators. They can't chew, so all they can do is drown their victims, and allow them to rot, so they can ingest them. That gator left the dog floating in the pond. I also know/met one of the divers retrieving golf balls from the ponds. He's been bitten about a dozen times, with no real serious injuries. He carries a stick, and pokes them around the eyes, and they swim off. I met him(and watched) while working the golf courses.

[fdpaq0580]

So if the lakes are man made how come we have so many gators in them. People say there are gators in every body of water in fl.....so all the little ponds etc have them? Not trying to be funny ....took my husband quite a few years to get me to agree to moving down here and now it seems my fear is coming around.
There is a very small pond close to my house, yes I assume it has a gator...I never actually check, but has someone put their little baby gator in to get things started? Why don't they just scale the ponds somehow and remove them?...can you tell I'm scared?
Again it just baffles me...we're gonna build this beautiful community, homes and streets and trees and beautiful ponds here and there...and now, bc of what...the ponds are full of gators...did they all travel at night past the gate guards from outside the TV and jump in. This isn't caveman vs Adam..this is cow field, development, ponds...now full of gators........your turn, educate me. Pls

You don't need to be educated, just reassured. Unless you are swimming in the ponds you are very unlikely going to be bitten by an alligator. Enjoy the wonders of our Florida wildlife that shares our community.
😊

[Michael G.]

OH, and let's ban guns too since 1200 children die EVERY year from guns in their homes. I am sure no one here would like to be a hypocrite and have a gun when so many human lives are destroyed every year.



Ban Guns.......hmmmmm Didn't the City of Chicago try that??

[Altavia]

So if the lakes are man made how come we have so many gators in them. People say there are gators in every body of water in fl.....so all the little ponds etc have them? Not trying to be funny ....took my husband quite a few years to get me to agree to moving down here and now it seems my fear is coming around.
There is a very small pond close to my house, yes I assume it has a gator...I never actually check, but has someone put their little baby gator in to get things started? Why don't they just scale the ponds somehow and remove them?...can you tell I'm scared?
Again it just baffles me...we're gonna build this beautiful community, homes and streets and trees and beautiful ponds here and there...and now, bc of what...the ponds are full of gators...did they all travel at night past the gate guards from outside the TV and jump in. This isn't caveman vs Adam..this is cow field, development, ponds...now full of gators........your turn, educate me. Pls

In general, the gaters seem to prefer (migrate) to have a pond to themselves. Unusual to see more than two together.

The ponds are connected by large underground pipes for storm water control so at least the smaller ones may be moving through those.

Nothing to fear if you stay out of the water and a safe distance from the banks.

[VApeople]

Nothing to fear if you stay out of the water and a safe distance from the banks.

In general, what you say is true, but the gators do walk around at times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FCLp3wyq0I

[MrFlorida]

Reminds me of a friend of mine, who moved out to the country to get away from the city noise, then complained about the noisy crickets.

[Chi-Town]

All my trips to Florida were coastal beach. But one year went boating with a cousin inland and found out that all lakes and ponds are a potential alligator habitat. Never knew that but sure know it now.

[MDLNB]

Summary:
Get rid of the gators. They serve no useful purpose here.
Get control of your pets or get rid of them.
Guns are dangerous so do not allow them free reign without adult supervision.
Home owners do not like dogs to poop on their yards, so take your dog for a walk near a pond.
Gators do not poop on your lawn so gators are OK.

[VApeople]

gators are OK.

I agree with that.

I was raised in Fort Myers and we used to talk with the alligator on the 3rd hole of the golf course. We had interesting conversations.

Notice, I just said "talk". We were much too smart to argue with him (or her). We saw what happened one day when a dog got in his (or her) face.

[spd2918]

Dog collars are bad for the gators digestive system. If you must let your dog run around unleashed, please remove his collar.

[fdpaq0580]

Dog collars are bad for the gators digestive system. If you must let your dog run around unleashed, please remove his collar.

That is very thoughtful of you. I agree. 😏