Moving here in June What about Bears

[Arbud]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

[asianthree]

If you worry about wildlife here, you may not want to walk in the dark. We not only have bears in the southern area, but coyotes, bobcats, a gator or two near any pond. Birds of prey are more frequent and a bigger concern for smaller dogs.

As far as discharging a gun in a heavily populated area in the dead of the night, I hope you are not moving to my area. Yes, I have concealed permit, but have never had a thought of every carrying during a walk or run. Why because whatever sneak’s up behind me may not be wildlife. No matter how good of eyes I have would never in the dead of night take that chance. But to each his or her own of fear of what awaits in the dark of night.

I run all by myself about 3am, see occasional wildlife, it’s the snake crawling across the road that I try to avoid.

[Caymus]

Almost nobody would be capable of killing a bear with a handgun. It is not target practice; they do not just stand still while you aim. Carry an airhorn or spray if nervous.

[Bogie Shooter]

//////

[Kelevision]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

Please don’t move here if the only thing you’re thinking about is killing wildlife. I’ve lived here all my life, now 58, I’ve never seen a bear. I was born and raised in Leesburg, now live in the villages. it’s not legal to kill bear or gators and if you’re just looking to kill an animal, please, please, please go someplace else.

[Byte1]

Probably better chance of being accosted by a crazy old senior than wildlife. I have heard of a neighbor that was walking her small dog one day and a large hawk attempted to make a meal of it, without success.

[drpepper]

I understand your concern. I carry pepper spray and a firearm to protect my dog when I'm walking him. We aren't near water but we had a gator walk across our back lawn last summer and a bobcat has been spotted just a few doors away several times lately.

[Bogie Shooter]

Hey, you cowboys, don’t shoot towards my house.🤬

[mjr0773]

While I respect your right to a firearm I would hope that you find somewhere else to take your walks. Even a small garden flag rustling in the night or a running jackrabbit behind a bush could be a candidate to illicit a response form you and I’d hate for one of your bullets to wind up in someone’s living room. Just by the fact you posted your original post tells many that your potential new neighbors need be concerned.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As someone said up-thread - just get an air horn. Bears don't like loud noises. They'll run from an air-horn being blasted in their direction.

If you think you need to kill all the wildlife that lives in this area just to protect your dog, maybe you should just - not have a dog.

[ThirdOfFive]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.
I wouldn't worry about bears. The bears in question are black bears and they're pretty timid critters overall. My daughter chased one off her porch with a broom when it decided to raid her trash can.

If you are worried about protecting yourself and/or your dog, try Bass Pro or Amazon. As a post farther up indicates pepper spray should be adequate. There are several brands of pepper spray designed to repel bears. I very much doubt that you'd ever need to use it but it will give you peace of mind.

Gators, the same. They're happy just to hang out around water and do their thing. The only time they're a threat to pets is when the owner gets industrial-strength stupid and allows Rover to run free along the various shorelines around here.

[Joeint]

The Lions took care of the Bears so no worries.

[Caymus]

I wouldn't worry about bears. The bears in question are black bears and they're pretty timid critters overall. My daughter chased on off her porch with a broom when it decided to raid her trash can.



Like this bear living in a hollow tree?

Bear finds home in tree of Connecticut backyard (https://www.nbcnews.com/video/bear-finds-home-in-tree-of-connecticut-backyard-156424261918)

[Stu from NYC]

Rumor has it bigfoot has moved into the area and purchased a house down south.

[Arbud]

Last thing in the world I want to do is kill an animal. I am no cowboy. I hit what I aim at. Just want to be prepared that is all. Would love to just carry some bear spray. 35.00 rather than much more. But there sure are a lot of shoulds. I love the villages just do not want to end up dead as the population increases. Not worried about gators. You are stupid if you let your pet run near the water.
If you come between a mother bear and her cubs lets see if the loud noise or spray would work. Oh shoot it didnt I am mauled.

[JMintzer]

I'd be more concerned about being hit by someone in a golf cart or on a bike than of a bear...

Don't worry about it. You and your dog will be just fine...

[Bogie Shooter]

Paranoia, is not healthy.

[JMintzer]

Paranoia, is not healthy.

Paranoia, they destroy ya'...

-Ray Davies

[PugMom]

Like this bear living in a hollow tree?

Bear finds home in tree of Connecticut backyard (https://www.nbcnews.com/video/bear-finds-home-in-tree-of-connecticut-backyard-156424261918)

we had so many bears in Ct., we had to learn to live with them

[Dusty_Star]

we had so many bears in Ct., we had to learn to live with them
Even the occasional mountain lion.

[VApeople]

Be sure to look overhead while walking your dog because wild monkeys are becoming a problem. They were brought into Silver Springs when they used to film Tarzan movies there in the 1950's, and they have spread. When we were walking on a trail near there, we could hear them in the trees, and we have heard they are very aggressive.

I have even heard them while playing golf at Gray Fox golf course in The Villages.

[VApeople]

In the Daily Sun today there was an article about the problems they are having with a bear in Davenport, a town very close to Disney.

My wife's brother lives in Apopka and they had two bears in their yard.

A few months ago, we saw a really big bear down at Sawgrass in St. Catherine.

[LuvNH]

Well the OP should be really scared off by now!

[kkingston57]

Well the OP should be really scared off by now!

From what?

[Robbb]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

June is prime bear season south of 44, I typically get a few almost every night when I go for an evening walk. Come to think of it, I haven't purchased meat since I moved down here.

[Taltarzac725]

I have only heard of coyotes taking Villagers' dogs. One of them was a favorite of mine--Jon Snow the dog.

There was a bear in a nearby Village but he or she was only interested in the trash that was out.

Most of the dog deaths I know of here in the Villages were caused by cars or golf carts hitting them.

Other dogs also might cause damage and sometimes the death of the dog.

Wasp spray has often been recommended for fending off wild life. But this gives me pause-- Ask a Wildlife Biologist:, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=480)

[New Englander]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

Your carry handgun has it's limitations. The Grizzly Bears that have moved into this area would laugh at it. When I go out with my pup, I always bring my 30-06 and a Bowie Knife.

[Arbud]

New Englander you actually walk outside with a rifle.

[Bogie Shooter]

New Englander you actually walk outside with a rifle.

I see your point. Can’t tell which posts are real a which are BS,
.:shrug:

[Rotaryhook2]

I've lived in Santo Domingo for 9 years. In that time, I've seen 1 fox near the Savanah Center and heard what I thought were coyotes, but I never saw any. Most of the posts were for coyotes further south and up north near Chatham. I don't expect you to run into any bears or gators. Carry if it makes you feel safer. Doubt if you will ever need it. Air horn will do the job. Wishing you a safe trip.

[Laker14]

The bears are just here to clean up the corpses left by the poisonous snakes.

[JohnN]

The bears are just here to clean up the corpses left by the poisonous snakes.

The bears also clean up the corpses of Villagers shot by other Villagers who think they saw a bear.

[EdFNJ]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.

Then this forum ain't for ya! :D :D


Data point: Something to consider. Since I stopped tossing peanut shells in the landscaped area for mulch I haven't seen a single elephant, pink or otherwise.

[manaboutown]

If you are truly concerned about stopping a charging bear you might consider preferably carrying a 44 Magnum, at least a .357 Magnum, revolver (to avoid the limp wrist syndrome). You typically will have four seconds to react and accurately fire a stopping shot. I knew a guy way back when who used a 44 Magnum revolver to stop a charging large black bear in his camp. Thing came 25 feet toward him after he hit it in the heart. Back when I used to hunt in NM I carried a .357 S&W Magnum revolver on my hip just in case. Thankfully I never had to use it for any reason.

8 Best Charge-Stopping Bear Cartridges | An Official Journal Of The NRA (https://www.americanhunter.org/content/8-best-charge-stopping-bear-cartridges/)

[JMintzer]

Your carry handgun has it's limitations. The Grizzly Bears that have moved into this area would laugh at it. When I go out with my pup, I always bring my 30-06 and a Bowie Knife.

I don't know what you're talking about, because there are NO Grizzly Bears in FL...

[JMintzer]

The bears are just here to clean up the corpses left by the poisonous snakes.

"Venomous"... ;)

[tophcfa]

Bears, alligators, coyotes, snakes, whatever. Don’t waste your time worrying about them unless you do something stupid that puts them in a position that forces them to defend themselves. What you need to be worried about are ticks and mosquitoes. Those bloodsuckers carry all sorts of very nasty life threatening infectious diseases and they will very stealthily attack you without any provocation. The worst part about them is they could put you in the absolute worst place imaginable, the ER at The Villages Hospital.

[Pairadocs]

Almost nobody would be capable of killing a bear with a handgun. It is not target practice; they do not just stand still while you aim. Carry an airhorn or spray if nervous.

Good advice. Wildlife is a way of life in Florida, we learn to live and let live. Bears are known to come for a swim in the pools of families who live in heavily populated areas of Orlando. Have friends in Oveido who got quite a scare when morning when they went into garage from their laundry room and... found a bear violently trying to get into their car. They could not believe they did not HEAR it, but were able to get door shut quickly and call wildlife. By keeping the garage door down, they protected their neighbors but... the destruction to their car ! We took pictures before it was picked up to go to the auto body shop. DEFINITELY would not want to tangle with a bear, even our Florida black bears which are much smaller than the grizzlies you usually see as "representative" of "bears". Cousin just moved to the Villages of Hot Springs in Arkansas. Set at the edge of deep woods and mountains, the retirement community is absolutely beautiful and full of bears too. She, as do most there, always carry bear spray when they walk their dogs, day or night ! She said no one lives in fear, but they are cautious.

[MrChip72]

An average of 1 person per year dies from a bear attack in all of North America.

An average of 20 people in the US die from a lightning strike each year.

By that logic, you should be avoiding going out in the rain more than worrying about black bears that attack only under exceptional circumstances.

[coralway]

The Oath Keepers are looking for new members.

[Papa_lecki]

I'd be more concerned about being hit by someone in a golf cart or on a bike than of a bear...

Don't worry about it. You and your dog will be just fine...

Heck, I am more worried about getting hit with a golf BALL than attacked by a bear.

[Elixir34]

I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.

Trust me. This year (and most) the Bears won’t harm you. In fact they likely will be killed themselves by the Eagles this coming Sunday.

[Caymus]

I don't know what you're talking about, because there are NO Grizzly Bears in FL...


Grizzlies can be found in Orlando in January.

[Arbud]

Well the funny not funny guys have popped up. For the guys that actually had something constructive to ad here. 44mag is the way I would go. It would be in a holster just in case. Not carried at night with low visibility. I dont walk around at night just take dog out on a leash to do business last thing. In day time walks is when I would carry it. Would never just here a noise and shoot. Not interested in going to jail. But as the saying goes to protect my stuff I would rather be judged by 12 then lowered by 6.

[Rwirish]

There are bears and gators everywhere. Too dangerous to go out especially at night.

[Southwest737]

Great post. 🤣🤪

[banjobob]

Not a thing to worry about, gators or bears are few and far between , I would worry more about coyotes also rare to encounter, carry a hand gun (with a concealed carry permit) for safety.

[mlmarr]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

BEST thing to remember ALL the animals were here first!!! ... with all the construction going on everywhere... their homes are destroyed ..
Paranoia .. let it go .. relax and enjoy yourself ..

[CoachKandSportsguy]

So it's obvious that negative news has a much larger non linear effect on humans' survival instincts than positive news. Yes, you can get paranoid if you read MSN news which is all negative attention getting preying on human hard wired emotional survival.

I lived in rural/ now fringe suburban New England, and have seen bears, coyotes, bobcats, deer, fisher cats, all in the yard at one time or another. Never ever thought about shooting them for our cats' safety, nor ever thought about carrying a firearm just in case of the near zero probability of getting attacked by a bear. A neighborhood couple was walking the street with their heads down, and one looked up and was staring directly at the black bear in the neighborhood about 10-15 yards away. The couple moved to the other side of the road, and the bear basically ignored them. . .

Me thinks your image / pre conceived notion of bears as man eating / dog eating creatures roaming the earth as the apex predator. . are what comic books will do to you. . . Dude the apex predators are brown recluse spiders and flu/pnemonia viruses, end of story

[ThirdOfFive]

Grizzlies can be found in Orlando in January.
Also Bulls, Raptors, Pelicans, Hornets, Timberwolves, and Pelicans.

[Laker14]

"Venomous"... ;)

nitpicker!

but you are correct.

My neighbor: That snake is more scared of you than you are of it.

Me: Good thing, then, that I'm the one with the shovel.

(don't worry, I didn't kill it. I gave it a path to get away and get on with its life)

[Laker14]

BEST thing to remember ALL the animals were here first!!! .. ..

that's why I leave all of my doors and windows open, so they can move back in to their homes.

[Laker14]

I don't know what you're talking about, because there are NO Grizzly Bears in FL...

Did you forget to bring your sarcasm meter?

[MandoMan]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

I lived in the mountains of Pennsylvania for 34 years and saw a bear half a dozen times, hundreds of deer, plenty of coons and possums, a few turkeys, a couple snakes. You are not very likely to see a bear in The Villages. Well, highly unlikely, actually. Gators don’t roam the streets. Neither is likely to attack your little dog, even if you see one, especially if your dog is on leash. I’ve never heard of anyone carrying bear spray here. I’m grinning at the thought. The Villages is a giant suburb, not a wilderness.

[Bogie Shooter]

Looking forward to the post saying dog walkers should walk in squads, well armed with a designated leader.

[airstreamingypsy]

Last thing in the world I want to do is kill an animal. I am no cowboy. I hit what I aim at. Just want to be prepared that is all. Would love to just carry some bear spray. 35.00 rather than much more. But there sure are a lot of shoulds. I love the villages just do not want to end up dead as the population increases. Not worried about gators. You are stupid if you let your pet run near the water.
If you come between a mother bear and her cubs lets see if the loud noise or spray would work. Oh shoot it didnt I am mauled.

I have bad news for you, you are going to end up dead.

[airstreamingypsy]

Sounds to me someone is a scaredy cat...... Good grief, this is the most paranoid post I've seen here. I've been in Florida for 30 years and have never seen anything scary, with four legs. Instead of a little foo foo dog, get yourself a Cane Corso...... then you won't need to be armed to the teeth to walk it, it will keep you safe.

[villager7591]

Don't worry about the Bers. They are not having a good season: QB problems (again). Wait till next year...

[Teemotay]

Well the funny not funny guys have popped up. For the guys that actually had something constructive to ad here. 44mag is the way I would go. It would be in a holster just in case. Not carried at night with low visibility. I dont walk around at night just take dog out on a leash to do business last thing. In day time walks is when I would carry it. Would never just here a noise and shoot. Not interested in going to jail. But as the saying goes to protect my stuff I would rather be judged by 12 then lowered by 6.


Brother, you are far too worried about something that has little to no chance of happening.

I spent my life’s work in the forests of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Northern California, Minnesota, Michigan and Mississippi. I’ve had encounters with Grizzlies, Black bears and most other forest-dwelling creatures that could put the hurt on you. I’ve met black bear mommas with cubs and solitary bears alike and not one time was I attacked or severely threatened and I had two dogs with me when we met momma bear.

Now Lady Lake is my home (Harbor Hills) for the past two years and I’ve had one bear in my yard. He/ she was just passing through going about it’s business. It didn’t stop when I went outside; it actually picked up the pace to get away from me.

I’d suggest that you save your money on the .44 magnum purchase and get some bear spray. Then do a little study on wildlife behavior. It just might save you and your dog and will go a long way to keeping you out of jail.

Most of the guys I met out west that were going into bear country all thought they needed to have the largest caliber handgun to protect themselves from bears. You can include me in that group when I moved from western New York to Montana. I went to forestry school and also studied wildlife biology. I traded my .357 for pepper spray because it’s safer, more effective and works well on anything that breathes and has eyes.

[jimschlaefer]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

You worry too much. If ya really need that sense of security, get a can of bear mace and hook it to your belt. It's called bear mace for a reason and will turn off any attackers (raccoons, bears, canines, felines, homeless, etc.) you should encounter while not threatening any neighbors. Available on Amazon or at Cabela's.

[NotGolfer]

Living in fear will keep you captive. That said, I'd worry more about being hit by lightening as FL is the "lightening capital". Weather here is different than "up north" in that we get effects from the sea breezes. IF the sky looks black don't count on that it will rain. We've had rain in the front of our house and sun at the same time in the back. We've lived here 13 yrs. Haven't seen any bears except on tv. Saw a coyote once but not fox or panthers! Yes, keep your Poochie leashed as that's the law but it is in other states as well. Oh...the other thing I'd worry about is the traffic. Oh.my----people drive crazy here!!!

[airstreamingypsy]

If you are truly concerned about stopping a charging bear you might consider preferably carrying a 44 Magnum, at least a .357 Magnum, revolver (to avoid the limp wrist syndrome). You typically will have four seconds to react and accurately fire a stopping shot. I knew a guy way back when who used a 44 Magnum revolver to stop a charging large black bear in his camp. Thing came 25 feet toward him after he hit it in the heart. Back when I used to hunt in NM I carried a .357 S&W Magnum revolver on my hip just in case. Thankfully I never had to use it for any reason.

8 Best Charge-Stopping Bear Cartridges | An Official Journal Of The NRA (https://www.americanhunter.org/content/8-best-charge-stopping-bear-cartridges/)

Good idea, a .44 Magnum bullet should stop after it's gone through 3-4 houses.

[ThirdOfFive]

Good idea, a .44 Magnum bullet should stop after it's gone through 3-4 houses.
True words. For all the Dirty Harry wannabes.

Once you pull a trigger, you're responsible for EVERYTHING that bullet hits. More than that, if you are not on your property when you pull the trigger and you don't have a valid permit to carry, your legal worries are compounded. It is a felony in Florida to carry a gun without a valid permit-to-carry.

But even if you're carrying legally, Florida is a CONCEALED carry state. Unless you're Shaq O'Neill in an overcoat, concealing a .44 Magnum is problematic at best. You WILL attract attention, and not good attention.

[Joe C.]

Carry concealed all you want.
Down here, there's not much that will hurt you. Yeah, there are snakes and coyotes, but bears are not something to worry about. I like to carry, and I'm not paranoid .... but prepared. The Villages is nothing but one, big soft target.

[Regorp]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.
Bears are rare, but be more concerned about gators, so keep your little one away from water.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

So do I understand this properly? If bear, alligator, coyote, fox or any other dangerous animal attacks my dog, I'm not allowed to shoot it?

That seems a bit absurd. Is there not such thing a a justifiable killing of one of these animals? If a large alligator is in the process of killing a human being, I can't shoot it?

[Lindaws]

Haven’t seen any wild creatures except geckos. Live N of 466A

[sallyg]

Really? Suggest you call the DNR or some other state/local agency for information if you don't want "funny little answers that aren't funny," instead of this site.

[ML Smith]

Good morning new soon to be neighbor. You can ease your worry and concern. I live south if 44 in relatively new areas. Have a dog that I walk couple of times during the day and once in the evening. So far I the only wildlife I have seen were some wild boar and even that was north of 44. See gators sunning them selves by water frequently. Can hear the occasional coyote at night but have never seen one on the neighborhood. Messy trash sometimes from crows, raccoons and opossums not not frequently.

There are a couple recommendation I would make for you.

1. Get a reflective vest to wear out walking at night.

2. Stay away from gators 🐊 especially during mating season.

3. Try very hard not to shoot anyone.

Enjoy your move and welcome to the neighborhood.

[JMintzer]

Heck, I am more worried about getting hit with a golf BALL than attacked by a bear.

Then don't play with me! FORE!

[defrey12]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.

Dude, I don’t know what they’ve been feeding you up north, but leave your gun at home…in a safe…where it belongs. Are there bears? Yes. Best course? Walk away. Be more worried about getting too close to the ponds with fluffy. Gators LOVE dog meat.

[JMintzer]

Did you forget to bring your sarcasm meter?

Hey, that's MY line!

[JMintzer]

Personally, I'm more afraid of the COUGARS at City Fire!

[Battlebasset]

Always walk with a slow friend. Then you can say "I don't have to outrun the bear. I only have to outrun you".

[Pairadocs]

I'd be more concerned about being hit by someone in a golf cart or on a bike than of a bear...

Don't worry about it. You and your dog will be just fine...

That is certainly the truth; not that black bears are not a frequent Florida sight, but absolutely your chances of getting hit by golf carts and bikes is a much more significant possibility... as is being hit in your golf cart by a car that DELIBERATELY chooses to use BOTH the auto lane AND the golf cart lane. That is a daily occurrence I've observed on Belvidere. Some landscape people also believe it is perfectly acceptable to use both the auto lane AND the golf cart lane ... happens way too often ! Takes a heavy dose of arrogance to disregard lives of others ! ?

[Vermilion Villager]

Have been a member of this forum for 2 years and am moving here with my wife and little dog in June 2023.
This has been discussed many times before I know. I might not make any friends here, just looking for informed answers. Not funny little comments that aren't funny.
Have spent plenty of time down here in village of Santo Domingo. Walked my dog in morning light on a leash. I actually clean up after her and take it home with me. I do take her out on a leash at night to do her business.
Now from what I have read over the last couple of years, because of human encroachment on wild lives environment, there is a chance of an encounter with bears especially.
I have read that you can not kill a gator or bear. Do not know about coyotes, foxes, or bobcats.
I am however getting prepared to protect what is near and dear to me.
A super powerful flashlight for going out at night so I get no surprises. With some aid just inside in case there is a bear that I have bothered and he wants to eat me or my dog.
In walking around the neighborhood with my wife and dog will have licensed concealed aid in case of an encounter with anything that wants to eat any of us.
Now I know I have left myself wide open to antigunners and make shift lawyers but guess what I am completely competent on the use of the things I am talking about and will protect all of us.
Would anyone like to talk me out of my paranoia.
Good Lord....just what we need. :mornincoffee:

[Laker14]

Hey, that's MY line!

I know....that's why I used it.:boom:

[Vermilion Villager]

Personally, I'm more afraid of the COUGARS at City Fire!
Saw one in action over at Brownwood last night.....It was like an R rated episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.......I yelled "look out Jim!!" but I was too late.....poor guy didn't have a chance. :pray:

[Pairadocs]

Dude, I don’t know what they’ve been feeding you up north, but leave your gun at home…in a safe…where it belongs. Are there bears? Yes. Best course? Walk away. Be more worried about getting too close to the ponds with fluffy. Gators LOVE dog meat.

Not being contrary or "snarky", serious question: should one really walk away from bears ? All advice from folks who study and deal with wildlife say to NEVER retreat from a bear, that it can be a deadly mistake. Honestly would like to know which is correct, walk away or stand your ground ?

[Pairadocs]

Also Bulls, Raptors, Pelicans, Hornets, Timberwolves, and Pelicans.

And some interesting stories from time to time about the damage done in some of Florida's planned, well populated, communities by wild boars (that can destroy an entire lawn over night !) and also, of all things..... PEACOCKS ! Florida is NOT the place for people who are truly afraid of everything, including insects ! Even those who live in big city high rise buildings are apt to encounter packs of roaming vicious dogs, as well as giant RATS and cockroaches, so, can't destroy every living thing without also destroying human kind ? ?

[Bogie Shooter]

Not being contrary or "snarky", serious question: should one really walk away from bears ? All advice from folks who study and deal with wildlife say to NEVER retreat from a bear, that it can be a deadly mistake. Honestly would like to know which is correct, walk away or stand your ground ?

I will go with folks who study and deal with wildlife issues vs. the I think folks on here.:ho:

[jimmy o]

Last thing in the world I want to do is kill an animal. I am no cowboy. I hit what I aim at. Just want to be prepared that is all. Would love to just carry some bear spray. 35.00 rather than much more. But there sure are a lot of shoulds. I love the villages just do not want to end up dead as the population increases. Not worried about gators. You are stupid if you let your pet run near the water.
If you come between a mother bear and her cubs lets see if the loud noise or spray would work. Oh shoot it didnt I am mauled.

I too have a ccw but no hand gun can protect you from a wildlife attack. Hand guns are protection against humans, period. The only time a bear, coyote, wolf, bobcat, panther or gator will attack you is if you surprise each other. In that case there would be absolutely no time for you to draw and shoot. If you think you would have time, you’re kidding yourself. To surprise each other you need to be in the brush. Wildlife is virtually invisible in the brush and would be on you in less than 2 seconds. Besides, even if you stalked, sneaked up and shot a bear point blank, the bullet would not be effective enough before you got mauled. Bear spray is the only proven effective bear deterrent. It would also work on any other wildlife that you may encounter. BUT, you have to be carrying the spray as there would be no time to dig it out of your pocket.

[JMintzer]

Saw one in action over at Brownwood last night.....It was like an R rated episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.......I yelled "look out Jim!!" but I was too late.....poor guy didn't have a chance. :pray:

So, you pulled a Marlin Perkins and hid with the cameraman while Jim Fowler was getting mauled by the cougar? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[JMintzer]

I know....that's why I used it.:boom:

https://i.imgflip.com/zfpr1.jpg

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Brother, you are far too worried about something that has little to no chance of happening.

I spent my life’s work in the forests of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Northern California, Minnesota, Michigan and Mississippi. I’ve had encounters with Grizzlies, Black bears and most other forest-dwelling creatures that could put the hurt on you. I’ve met black bear mommas with cubs and solitary bears alike and not one time was I attacked or severely threatened and I had two dogs with me when we met momma bear.



I remember correctly, you told me that you were old enough to have met Lewis or was it Clark on one of your adventures. . .

[ThirdOfFive]

Not being contrary or "snarky", serious question: should one really walk away from bears ? All advice from folks who study and deal with wildlife say to NEVER retreat from a bear, that it can be a deadly mistake. Honestly would like to know which is correct, walk away or stand your ground ?
Depends on the bear. As a wee lad I remember Dad telling me that "the only part of a bear you'll see in the woods is his (hindquarters) as he's running away from you". And that's true--most of the time. But a sow bear with cubs can be dangerous especially if you get in between the bear and the cub(s) or the cubs are in a tree that you're standing under.

Best advice in a case like that? Survival Drill #2.

[Teemotay]

I remember correctly, you told me that you were old enough to have met Lewis or was it Clark on one of your adventures. . .

That wasn’t me. I’m soon to be 66.

I do not believe that I ever told you anything.

[Teemotay]

That wasn’t me. I’m soon to be 66.

I do not believe that I ever told you anything.

I have read their journals and trampled some of the same trails as they did, however.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I have read their journals and trampled some of the same trails as they did, however.

:bigbow: :mademyday:

I knew that it was you who told me that story. . . :duck:

seriously, i was joking but the persona you described read like a true american pioneer. . which is one of those boyhood dreams of the all the east coast office computer couch potatoes. .

computer coach potato guy

[Teemotay]

:bigbow: :mademyday:

I knew that it was you who told me that story. . . :duck:

seriously, i was joking but the persona you described read like a true american pioneer. . which is one of those boyhood dreams of the all the east coast office computer couch potatoes. .

computer coach potato guy


I kind of thought that you were kidding me, but I never know how to take some of the responses on these threads.

I appreciate your note.

Meriwether

[Chi-Town]

If the OP needs to carry he should carry a 5 iron and a can of bear spray. Since he claims to be a dead-eye one of those should work with a little practice. Or get a bigger dog.

[JMintzer]

If the OP needs to carry he should carry a 5 iron and a can of bear spray. Since he claims to be a dead-eye one of those should work with a little practice. Or get a bigger dog.

C'mon... Everyone knows that bears require a 3 iron!