Pet lost to gator

[Cedere Nescio]

Have heard that a dog was taken by an alligator in Bradford a few days ago. Haven’t seen any word in news outlets or forums but have heard from persons that were present.

Just a reminder to keep your pets on leashes and away from the shore lines of any lakes. It only takes a moment for a gator to pull an animal into the water and even large dogs can be drowned before they can escape.

[Taltarzac725]

Have heard that a dog was taken by an alligator in Bradford a few days ago. Haven’t seen any word in news outlets or forums but have heard from persons that were present.

Just a reminder to keep your pets on leashes and away from the shore lines of any lakes. It only takes a moment for a gator to pull an animal into the water and even large dogs can be drowned before they can escape.

Sorry to hear that. My condolences to the family of the dog.

Most of the people at dog parks and elsewhere whom I have met who have lost a dog have been to cars/trucks or golf carts.

Keep dogs on a leash and keep a hold of it.

[Kenswing]

Before there is too much speculation. From what people who witnessed the event, The dog was being walked by a pet sitter/dog walker. The dog was on a leash and on the path. Just goes to show that a hungry gator, especially one that’s used to seeing people isn’t afraid to leave the pond for food.

Also from what I understand, the gator was removed.

[ThirdOfFive]

Before there is too much speculation. From what people who witnessed the event, The dog was being walked by a pet sitter/dog walker. The dog was on a leash and on the path. Just goes to show that a hungry gator, especially one that’s used to seeing people isn’t afraid to leave the pond for food.

Also from what I understand, the gator was removed.
Alligators are--well--alligators. If they see lunch walking by (I doubt alligators have the concept of "leash") they'll partake.

Alligators rarely leave the comfortable confines of their pond. Keep Fifi well away from the shore and things should be fine.

[coffeebean]

I did not want to live near water because I did not want to fear working in the yard. With my back to the water, I would always feel as though a gator would come up behind me and attack. I do not trust them. I do a lot of work in the yard and enjoy it.

[ThirdOfFive]

I did not want to live near water because I did not want to fear working in the yard. With my back to the water, I would always feel as though a gator would come up behind me and attack. I do not trust them. I do a lot of work in the yard and enjoy it.
Saw a picture awhile back of a gator with a golf ball on his back.

What IS the ruling in a case like that?

[Taltarzac725]

Saw a picture awhile back of a gator with a golf ball on his back.

What IS the ruling in a case like that?

Probably to let her have it.

[Taltarzac725]

Recall a dog park friend had let Jon Snow out to pee in the middle of the night in a backyard on a cul-de-sac and, unfortunately, one or more coyotes took off with the pooch. He used to break up fights in the back field of Doggie Doo Run Run where they allow any size dog.

I could no longer celebrate Game of Thrones with the dog's owner and daughter by telling them "Jon Snow lives!" They are a fan of Game of Thrones.

Jon Snow has a memorial bench at Doggie Doo Run Run.

Lots of critters to look out for day and night here in the Villages.

[Stu from NYC]

Saw a picture awhile back of a gator with a golf ball on his back.

What IS the ruling in a case like that?

Two stroke penalty for not hitting the ball as it lies

[Two Bills]

Saw a picture awhile back of a gator with a golf ball on his back.

What IS the ruling in a case like that?

Free drop. Two club lengths, no nearer hole. No penalty!

[Altavia]

Alligators are--well--alligators. If they see lunch walking by (I doubt alligators have the concept of "leash") they'll partake.

Alligators rarely leave the comfortable confines of their pond. Keep Fifi well away from the shore and things should be fine.

Fishermen attract gaters. Especially if they tease them with their catch.

We had gator that started following fishermen, then start following walkers.

A fishing pole and line may look similar to a dog on a leash.

[Stu from NYC]

Fishermen attract gaters. Especially if they tease them with their catch.

We had gator that started following fishermen, then start following walkers.

A fishing pole and line may look similar to a dog on a leash.

Foolish for a fisherman to interact with gators especially with fish on the line. They get them used to people and thinking of people as food.

Nothing good can come of that.

[JMintzer]

Saw a picture awhile back of a gator with a golf ball on his back.

What IS the ruling in a case like that?

Let the gator play thru...

[thelegges]

I did not want to live near water because I did not want to fear working in the yard. With my back to the water, I would always feel as though a gator would come up behind me and attack. I do not trust them. I do a lot of work in the yard and enjoy it.

Small 5’ gator left a pond 36 houses away, crossed the street, walked through houses, no where near a pond, crossed 2nd street, where a golf cart ran over end of tail, in the dark.

Made his way down our street crossed behind our house, to enter pond across the street. Neighborhood named him lucky. Stayed 8 days, then walked different route to a 3rd pond. Cameras are a good thing, but gator never smile when the light comes on

So be aware no need to live near a pond, they can roam anywhere.

[coffeebean]

Small 5’ gator left a pond 36 houses away, crossed the street, walked through houses, no where near a pond, crossed 2nd street, where a golf cart ran over end of tail, in the dark.

Made his way down our street crossed behind our house, to enter pond across the street. Neighborhood named him lucky. Stayed 8 days, then walked different route to a 3rd pond. Cameras are a good thing, but gator never smile when the light comes on

So be aware no need to live near a pond, they can roam anywhere.
Very true but there is more of a chance of a gator encounter when one lives close to the water.

[JoMar]

I know of people that think it's great to feed, not only gators but sandhill cranes and have feeders that attract racoons and coyotes. Most are from big cities and have no idea what that does to the perception of the wild animals. When you try and inform them they take the "mind your business" approach and have no regard for the harm they are doing and continue feeding. Had a friend teel me they had a neighbor that fed a gator in their pond, then sold their house and the buyer had the gator break into their lanai. Please stop feeding the wild life.

[Worldseries27]

i did not want to live near water because i did not want to fear working in the yard. With my back to the water, i would always feel as though a gator would come up behind me and attack. I do not trust them. I do a lot of work in the yard and enjoy it.
i come from a state where alligators would be hunted to extinction. Don't really care about bleeding hearts who support their case. They belong outside of the villages with a zero tolerance mind set. Do we have to have a disney tragedy first .
Ps dont give me the higher than thee speech over " they were here first". So was the american indian whose blood soaked lands we
drive over as we go our merry ways

[me4vt]

If anyones pet gets attached by a gator or taken away by any predator, they should never be allowed to have another one………

[me4vt]

The gators were here way before someone wanted a home in their territory!! You invaded them they didn’t invade You.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

i come from a state where alligators would be hunted to extinction. Don't really care about bleeding hearts who support their case. They belong outside of the villages with a zero tolerance mind set. Do we have to have a disney tragedy first .
Ps dont give me the higher than thee speech over " they were here first". So was the american indian whose blood soaked lands we
drive over as we go our merry ways

So, two wrongs make it right?

[Altavia]

The gators were here way before someone wanted a home in their territory!! You invaded them they didn’t invade You.

Nonsense, they are in man made ponds in areas not habitable by gators previously.

[DeeCee Dubya]

The cycle of life

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I did not want to live near water because I did not want to fear working in the yard. With my back to the water, I would always feel as though a gator would come up behind me and attack. I do not trust them. I do a lot of work in the yard and enjoy it.

Good idea not to trust alligators, but it doesn't stop there: We have observed poisonous snakes in our backyard (e.g. water moccasins and eastern diamondback rattlesnake), bats that sleep in the lawn furniture by day and some really big spiders. Install a motion activated night vision camera and you will add coyotes, raccoons, opossums, foxes, armadillos, etc, to the list. Marlin Perkins would be proud!

[GizmoWhiskers]

Before there is too much speculation. From what people who witnessed the event, The dog was being walked by a pet sitter/dog walker. The dog was on a leash and on the path. Just goes to show that a hungry gator, especially one that’s used to seeing people isn’t afraid to leave the pond for food.

Also from what I understand, the gator was removed.

I hope it was. Some of the gators are HUGE and I find it crazy that they are not removed before a pet or person is injured.

I was walking the other night along Marsh Bend and heard one very closs by. I quickly found myself walking in the cart lane across the street instead of the walk way that is directly on the marsh border.

For those who don't know the sound they make it is like a deep frog sound on steroids.

Red Fox Gray Fox has so many huge gators just feet away from the T boxes. I will say they are great incentive to move players along.

[VApeople]

For those who don't know the sound they make it is like a deep frog sound on steroids.


Yes, that is a good description of the sound they make.

I was raised in Fort Myers FL and we used to talk with the alligator that lived in a pond on our golf course. We would walk by the pond and grunt and the gator would grunt back.

Yes, I know, that may not sound like a deep conversation by your standards, but for a teen-age boy that counts as a real conversation.

[melpetezrinski]

Nonsense, they are in man made ponds in areas not habitable by gators previously.

You destroy the natural habitat of alligators, forcing them out to find a suitable environment, of which, is a "man made pond" You certainly can't believe that is "Nonsense"?

[krick093]

Fishermen attract gaters. Especially if they tease them with their catch.

We had gator that started following fishermen, then start following walkers.

A fishing pole and line may look similar to a dog on a leash.

What a dumbs..t thing to say. If they start following walkers it's because walkers often walk...wait for it....dogs.

[OhioBuckeye]

Have heard that a dog was taken by an alligator in Bradford a few days ago. Haven’t seen any word in news outlets or forums but have heard from persons that were present.

Just a reminder to keep your pets on leashes and away from the shore lines of any lakes. It only takes a moment for a gator to pull an animal into the water and even large dogs can be drowned before they can escape.

Usually they’ll take the gator out & relocate it.

[JSR22]

Usually they’ll take the gator out & relocate it.

The gators are euthanized. There was one exception Larry was relocated to an Orlando gator attraction.

[GmaLisaG]

It's Florida and where ever there is ANY bodies of water there are gators ... they are all around. I would NEVER walk my dogs on leashes on the paths back there.. they are beautiful paths and walking or biking is great but it's not the place for dogs. I also keep mine away from the cart paths. We have great dog parks and other safe places. Don't get complacent. Don't let them out without supervision especially small dogs. This is only my opinions of course but I was born and raised here and it's always been this way. ❤️

[airstreamingypsy]

People wo feed gators are one reason a gator feels like it's okay to approach humans. If we could get people to stop being stupid.............

[Lea N]

Foolish for a fisherman to interact with gators especially with fish on the line. They get them used to people and thinking of people as food.

Nothing good can come of that.

And sometimes people feed them. When I first saw a sign saying "Don't feed the gators" I thought that was a joke. I couldn't believe people would do such a thing, but they do. This makes them unafraid of people and then they associate people with food. Gators have taken dogs as well as children in strollers. How very sad.

[OhioBuckeye]

Thanks for correcting me!

[coffeebean]

Good idea not to trust alligators, but it doesn't stop there: We have observed poisonous snakes in our backyard (e.g. water moccasins and eastern diamondback rattlesnake), bats that sleep in the lawn furniture by day and some really big spiders. Install a motion activated night vision camera and you will add coyotes, raccoons, opossums, foxes, armadillos, etc, to the list. Marlin Perkins would be proud!
Do you live near water? Wondering about those poisenous snakes.A small black snake (not poisenous I was told) jumped from above and "flew" past my head one time when I was kneeling in my yard working in the flower beds. It slithered away very quickly. Hasn't stopped me from doing what I love to do though. I still work in the yard as long as my knees will hold out.

[fdpaq0580]

Nonsense, they are in man made ponds in areas not habitable by gators previously.

Ever hear the phrase, "if you build it, they will come "? Applies to ponds and gators, too.

[coffeebean]

Speaking of Coyotes (well, maybe not and I'm sorry for hijacking the tread but this happened to me.............

A couple of years ago, one early morning about 5am, I was at the curb just about to place the trash bag down on the ground. A medium sized animal came running past me at full speed (like a flash) and ran between my and my neighbor's house. Five seconds later, I heard, what sounded like a very small dog, shrieking in pain then the shrieking suddenly stopped. That was so eery and frightening. I felt so sorry for that poor dog and the dog's owner. To this day, I don't go out of our house early in the morning while it is still dark to take out the trash.

[fdpaq0580]

Speaking of Coyotes (well, maybe not and I'm sorry for hijacking the tread but this happened to me.............

A couple of years ago, one early morning about 5am, I was at the curb just about to place the trash bag down on the ground. A medium sized animal came running past me at full speed (like a flash) and ran between my and my neighbor's house. Five seconds later, I heard, what sounded like a very small dog, shrieking in pain then the shrieking suddenly stopped. That was so eery and frightening. I felt so sorry for that poor dog and the dog's owner. To this day, I don't go out of our house early in the morning while it is still dark to take out the trash.

That would have freaked me out. Also, while feeling sorry for the dog and it's owner, be thankful you were not the target. 😦

[jebartle]

Good idea not to trust alligators, but it doesn't stop there: We have observed poisonous snakes in our backyard (e.g. water moccasins and eastern diamondback rattlesnake), bats that sleep in the lawn furniture by day and some really big spiders. Install a motion activated night vision camera and you will add coyotes, raccoons, opossums, foxes, armadillos, etc, to the list. Marlin Perkins would be proud!

Yipsters, where do you leave????

[Dotneko]

Your PSA of the day 'venemous' snakes - you die if they bite you
'poisonous snakes' - you die if you bite them
The snakes being described are venemous. They may indeed be poisonous, too, but not too
many people eat them.

[Stu from NYC]

Ever hear the phrase, "if you build it, they will come "? Applies to ponds and gators, too.

So you think there were less gators here before this was all built? Interesting.

[coffeebean]

That would have freaked me out. Also, while feeling sorry for the dog and it's owner, be thankful you were not the target. 😦

That Coyote was on a mission and thank goodness, it wasn't me.

[rogerk]

It happens all too often and really isn't news. If people would keep physical control of their dogs it wouldn't happen. It would also help if people didn't feed the gators - they lose their fear of humans.

[Stu from NYC]

That Coyote was on a mission and thank goodness, it wasn't me.

You are to much to chew.:bigbow: Sorry could not resist:a040:

[Worldseries27]

so, two wrongs make it right?
let me see.
If you could have assassinated hitler, stalin, mao tse tung
at 20 years old would that be 2 wrongs don't make it right?

[DAVES]

I did not want to live near water because I did not want to fear working in the yard. With my back to the water, I would always feel as though a gator would come up behind me and attack. I do not trust them. I do a lot of work in the yard and enjoy it.

All should be aware an aligator is a prehistoric monster. I has a tiny brain that only knows EAT and reproduce. They are shockingly fast in water and only fast on land.
I seem to recall reading the only reason man survived is that we do not taste good.

[B-flat]

People wo feed gators are one reason a gator feels like it's okay to approach humans. If we could get people to stop being stupid.............

Amen!! I don’t have all the facts but I read where there’s a guy that brings cooked chickens to one of the ponds and feeds them on a regular basis. Talk about stupid!

[DAVES]

I know of people that think it's great to feed, not only gators but sandhill cranes and have feeders that attract racoons and coyotes. Most are from big cities and have no idea what that does to the perception of the wild animals. When you try and inform them they take the "mind your business" approach and have no regard for the harm they are doing and continue feeding. Had a friend teel me they had a neighbor that fed a gator in their pond, then sold their house and the buyer had the gator break into their lanai. Please stop feeding the wild life.

No choice but the sandhill cranes seem to be common. It is interesting, perhaps like some Villagers when they want to cross the street, they do not care about traffic they just cross a a leasurly pace. Perhaps, they are daring cars? I've never seen one run over. Eating, they seem to be groups of three. One looking while two eat. Perhaps like Villagers they do not eat at the same place twice. They seem to prefer to walk. I've seen them fly. They have a huge wingspan.

[Rango]

People wo feed gators are one reason a gator feels like it's okay to approach humans. If we could get people to stop being stupid.............

There was evidence (from the gators stomach contents) that people had been feeding it.

[fdpaq0580]

So you think there were less gators here before this was all built? Interesting.

😶 I have no clue how you got that from my post.
The point of my post was, if you create a habitat (pond) in an area where gators live, the gators will avail themselves of the pond or ponds you provide for them. 😐

[Altavia]

So you think there were less gators here before this was all built? Interesting.

For sure in the new areas that were formerly pasture land with Future McDonalds hamburgers grazing.

They are adding many new, large, water basins making habitat that will eventually support frogs, fish, birds, turtles, otters and gators.

We often see young bald eagles fishing in the newer ponds.

[TrapX]

i come from a state where alligators would be hunted to extinction. Don't really care about bleeding hearts who support their case. They belong outside of the villages with a zero tolerance mind set. Do we have to have a disney tragedy first .
Ps dont give me the higher than thee speech over " they were here first". So was the american indian whose blood soaked lands we
drive over as we go our merry ways

Two thumbs up. Get rid of them here. There are so many other places they are already. There is no reason any human has to fear an attack from an alligator.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

let me see.
If you could have assassinated hitler, stalin, mao tse tung
at 20 years old would that be 2 wrongs don't make it right?

How can you possibly draw an analogy between the Native Americans we grossly abused and the innocent animal species that were sent to oblivion, with the despicable people who deliberately mass murdered millions of people? Think!

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Yipsters, where do you leave????

We live across the street from a moderate sized man-made retention pond.

[Worldseries27]

how can you possibly draw an analogy between the native americans we grossly abused and the innocent animal species that were sent to oblivion, with the despicable people who deliberately mass murdered millions of people? Think!
this planet kills off species period without any help from us so why not get rid of the one in tv that can eat us alive? Including visiting grandchildren who wander off?

[Stu from NYC]

Two thumbs up. Get rid of them here. There are so many other places they are already. There is no reason any human has to fear an attack from an alligator.

Should we get rid of all the lions and tigers in Africa too while we are at it. They can live in zoos

[VApeople]

There is no reason any human has to fear an attack from an alligator.

You are correct. The only reason to fear an alligator attack is being in a place where alligators live.

[Worldseries27]

you are correct. The only reason to fear an alligator attack is being in a place where alligators live.
and?

[VApeople]

and?

And what is your point?

[Hifred]

I have a picture of a very large gator who is more than 6 feet long and very broad that was next to the window of our neighbor's house in the front yard. It was scary and I saw it. My neighbor called public safety and they said to leave it alone and it would go away. We live in Charlotte and our homes do not touch a pond and the alligator had to walk a ways to get to our home. The response of The Villages I think was poor. We have people in our neighborhood who walk down the block with canes and walkers. We have people who walk by this home with their dogs. There is an over population of alligators in our area. Alligator meat is a lean meat that has high protein and low fat content. So it is regarded as a healthy food and alligator meat is a good source of protein. The meat from euthanized gators should be used to help those that would prefer to eat alligator. I really wish I could attach this picture of the alligator up against the bay window. Some people may reconsider your position on what needs to happen with the abundance of gators we have. Alligators are predators and they attack quickly. I would like to see The Villages be more proactive in thinning out the alligator population.

[TimeForChange]

Have heard that a dog was taken by an alligator in Bradford a few days ago. Haven’t seen any word in news outlets or forums but have heard from persons that were present.

Just a reminder to keep your pets on leashes and away from the shore lines of any lakes. It only takes a moment for a gator to pull an animal into the water and even large dogs can be drowned before they can escape.

Small fluffy white dogs are perfect game for gators and eagles. Recently heard that on one of the large power towers that run north to south through TV the power company had to work on one at the top next to a bald eagles nest. In the nest were the remains of three small dogs.

[fdpaq0580]

Small fluffy white dogs are perfect game for gators and eagles. Recently heard that on one of the large power towers that run north to south through TV the power company had to work on one at the top next to a bald eagles nest. In the nest were the remains of three small dogs.

Eagles, like gators, are predators and are capable of injuring or even killing humans (most likely children). So let's get rid of eagles along with the gators. Oh, and dogs are predators and some have attacked and even killed humans. So we should add dogs to the list of animals we should destroy. 😱
The list goes on and gets more ridiculous. Learn to live with and appreciate the wonderful wildlife that we share TV with.
(personal side note: seen hundreds of gators, never bitten. Seen thousands of eagles, never attacked. Love dogs, but have been threatened and bitten, bloodied and scarred several times. Still love all animals, especially dogs.)