Gators, fishing and locals

[Ozzello]

Having read some threads on these subjects, please help me understand:

Many people want "the locals" free to hunt and remove the 'gators from the ponds and lake in The Villages... but not allow them to catch and release fish?

With all the spraying of herbicides, and the run-off of pesticides (and who knows what else) in the TV water bodies, I wouldn't consider any Villages fish or gator to be edible. Ya'll just bump those amenity fees up and hire some trappers to make your pretend wildlife sanctuaries even more void of life.

[Topspinmo]

Key word, “many”. Not all. Fishing sport to “Many”.

[Stu from NYC]

Gators seem here to stay. Just have to take some basic precautions to avoid being their dinner

[Marathon Man]

The main thrust of the complaints that I read are people walking through yards to get to the ponds.

[ThirdOfFive]

I don't know if alligators are a real danger as long as you use common sense. They're pretty timid creatures except the bulls during mating season. They just want to be left alone. The incidents I've heard or read about were about people who ignored some basic rules, like the guy who allowed his dog to run unleashed near the water at a dog park. Dogs like water and 'gators definitely see dogs as on the menu so you can't blame the gator for that. I also heard some years back that a golf course employee doing some landscaping work got a little too close to one and got bit. I'd certainly not favor removing them because some people are stupid.

[Bill14564]

The main thrust of the complaints that I read are people walking through yards to get to the ponds.

This time around, yes. And fair enough, no one should have to put up with people walking through their yards.

A few months ago in CDD7 the complaint was simply that an expensive view was being sullied by "those" people fishing in the pond.

[Kelevision]

It’s illegal to kill gators in Florida. The Villages is no exception. They should stop putting in retention ponds if the people don’t want to share with the gators. Not kill the gators. I’ve lived in Florida born and raised and have swam in Lake Harris more times than I can count. Gators aren’t looking for a fight. They only want food and that’s whatever is smaller than they are. The only way they kill their pray is to drown them so if they can’t drag you to the bottom, they aren’t bothering with you. Specifically if they’re on land, just walk right by them. They couldn’t care less unless you do something quickly to scare them and then they’d just run off. Cottonmouths are the only venomous snake that’s actually sort of a threat though in my lifetime here I’ve never known anyone to be bitten by one. As for fishing, I’m guessing not only walking in yards but the home owners most likely wouldn’t have bought to overlook a small pond with fisherman setting up camp on the daily. I know I wouldn’t

[MrFlorida]

Gators are a part of Florida living, after all, they were here before us.

[fdpaq0580]

Having read some threads on these subjects, please help me understand:

Many people want "the locals" free to hunt and remove the 'gators from the ponds and lake in The Villages... but not allow them to catch and release fish?

With all the spraying of herbicides, and the run-off of pesticides (and who knows what else) in the TV water bodies, I wouldn't consider any Villages fish or gator to be edible. Ya'll just bump those amenity fees up and hire some trappers to make your pretend wildlife sanctuaries even more void of life.

I agree with your thought about the creatures living in TV lakes/ponds not being edible.
As for the wildlife, if they can survive in there, let them.
As for fising in TV lakes/ponds, it is my guess that they are all private property of TV and fishing is trespassing and should not be allowed (except possibly in designated fishing areas marked as such with parking areas, restroom facilities, etc, to keep fishermen from traveling thru homeowners yards).
Just my opinion.

[fdpaq0580]

Gators are a part of Florida living, after all, they were here before us.

Which came first? The gator or the gator egg?
Inquiring minds want to know! 🤔🤔🤔

[vintageogauge]

Having read some threads on these subjects, please help me understand:

Many people want "the locals" free to hunt and remove the 'gators from the ponds and lake in The Villages... but not allow them to catch and release fish?

With all the spraying of herbicides, and the run-off of pesticides (and who knows what else) in the TV water bodies, I wouldn't consider any Villages fish or gator to be edible. Ya'll just bump those amenity fees up and hire some trappers to make your pretend wildlife sanctuaries even more void of life.
I don't think there are "many" people that want the locals to hunt and remove alligators from their ponds, no one around our pond feels that way, we all enjoy seeing them swim around and sun themselves on the shoreline. However we certainly would not want anyone walking through our yards to go fishing in the pond.

[Velvet]

Gators are a part of Florida living, after all, they were here before us.

Yes, so was the ice age. Time progresses only in one directions. I personally think small gators under 4 feet are fine. Once they become a possible threat, that is different.

[vintageogauge]

Yes, so was the ice age. Time progresses only in one directions. I personally think small gators under 4 feet are fine. Once they become a possible threat, that is different.

Dogs cause more human injuries and deaths than do Alligators by a long shot and no one is hunting them down.

[thelegges]

It’s catch and release so only thing eating fish in TV is the gators

[fdpaq0580]

Yes, so was the ice age. Time progresses only in one directions. I personally think small gators under 4 feet are fine. Once they become a possible threat, that is different.

10 ft gator left alone in a pond. No worry.
6 ft gator on your front porch. Worry.
10 ft gator resting on the grass near a pond. No worry.
6 ft gator resting on the grass near a pond with a leash hanging out of its mouth. No worry. He's been fed.

🫠😉

[fdpaq0580]

Dogs cause more human injuries and deaths than do Alligators by a long shot and no one is hunting them down.

Crazy, huh?

[fdpaq0580]

It’s catch and release so only thing eating fish in TV is the gators

Same with the fishermen, I guess.

[MrFlorida]

Yes, so was the ice age. Time progresses only in one directions. I personally think small gators under 4 feet are fine. Once they become a possible threat, that is different.

Like the people who move from the cities, to rural areas, and want the bears removed.. maybe they should move back to where they came from.

[Dusty_Star]

Dogs cause more human injuries and deaths than do Alligators by a long shot and no one is hunting them down.

Dogs in United States: ~87 million

Gators in United States: ~ 5 million

[Dusty_Star]

I don't know if alligators are a real danger as long as you use common sense. They're pretty timid creatures except the bulls during mating season. They just want to be left alone. The incidents I've heard or read about were about people who ignored some basic rules, like the guy who allowed his dog to run unleashed near the water at a dog park. Dogs like water and 'gators definitely see dogs as on the menu so you can't blame the gator for that. I also heard some years back that a golf course employee doing some landscaping work got a little too close to one and got bit. I'd certainly not favor removing them because some people are stupid.

Maybe you missed it, but one of our frequent posters, posted a few known to them personally. I recall the Duval retention pond one with horror.

[JMintzer]

LMK when Gators pooping on people's lawns becomes a problem.

Until then... :icon_bored:

[Bill14564]

Dogs in United States: ~87 million

Gators in United States: ~ 5 million

About seven (7) alligator attacks per year in the USA. Works out to be about one attack for every 800,000 alligators.


About 14.5 Million dog bites per year. Works out to be about one bite for every six dogs.

[Stu from NYC]

Dogs in United States: ~87 million

Gators in United States: ~ 5 million

Who counted the gators?

[Dusty_Star]

Who counted the gators?

Looks like Defenders of Wildlife: American Crocodile and Alligator | Defenders of Wildlife (https://defenders.org/wildlife/american-crocodile-and-alligator#:~:text=An%20estimated%205%20million%20A merican,in%20the%20state%20of%20Florida).

[Velvet]

Like the people who move from the cities, to rural areas, and want the bears removed.. maybe they should move back to where they came from.

I understand that you find comfort in the past. Many older people do, to a large extent I do too.

[egmcaninch]

Pretend?! The Villages have done a great job in making sure that there are many wildlife preserves that are beautiful! Take some time to get out and walk along the many miles of paths near/through the preserves - and enjoy it. I'm glad that we have the gators, many birds and other wildlife.

Having read some threads on these subjects, please help me understand:

Many people want "the locals" free to hunt and remove the 'gators from the ponds and lake in The Villages... but not allow them to catch and release fish?

With all the spraying of herbicides, and the run-off of pesticides (and who knows what else) in the TV water bodies, I wouldn't consider any Villages fish or gator to be edible. Ya'll just bump those amenity fees up and hire some trappers to make your pretend wildlife sanctuaries even more void of life.

[defrey12]

Yes, so was the ice age. Time progresses only in one directions. I personally think small gators under 4 feet are fine. Once they become a possible threat, that is different.

They’re only a “possible threat” if you’re stupid enough to go near them. Just leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.

[Switter]

Having read some threads on these subjects, please help me understand:

Many people want "the locals" free to hunt and remove the 'gators from the ponds and lake in The Villages... but not allow them to catch and release fish?

With all the spraying of herbicides, and the run-off of pesticides (and who knows what else) in the TV water bodies, I wouldn't consider any Villages fish or gator to be edible. Ya'll just bump those amenity fees up and hire some trappers to make your pretend wildlife sanctuaries even more void of life.

I've been here for over a year and have seen exactly one alligator in the villages. That was like a couple days ago down by Spanish Springs. I was actually getting kind of disappointed, lol. I thought there would be gators everywhere from the way some people make it sound.

[LeRoySmith]

They’re only a “possible threat” if you’re stupid enough to go near them. Just leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.

Best advice yet, it can be used on gators and most other unsavories.

[Velvet]

I've been here for over a year and have seen exactly one alligator in the villages. That was like a couple days ago down by Spanish Springs. I was actually getting kind of disappointed, lol. I thought there would be gators everywhere from the way some people make it sound.

Yes, I can say the same. The only time I’ve come across them is when I play golf. But I don’t go out of my way looking for them.

[gorillarick]

Yes, so was the ice age. Time progresses only in one directions. I personally think small gators under 4 feet are fine. Once they become a possible threat, that is different.
another ice age coming

[Regorp]

Gators seem here to stay. Just have to take some basic precautions to avoid being their dinner

Gators were here first, just like Native Americans, let's not repeat our past mistakes

[HORNET]

Your in Florida now, they have been doing this for many, many years!

[Maker]

Gators are a part of Florida living, after all, they were here before us.

Not one retention pond built here had any alligators in it.
So "they were here first" is not true.
With millions of alligators in Florida, getting rid of every one here wouldn't make any dent in the population. There even stupid people, doing stupid tings, would not be at risk. Even smart people, who are walking on trails with their dogs on a leash, wouldn't have to fear an unprovoked gator attack

[fdpaq0580]

Not one retention pond built here had any alligators in it.
So "they were here first" is not true.
With millions of alligators in Florida, getting rid of every one here wouldn't make any dent in the population. There even stupid people, doing stupid tings, would not be at risk. Even smart people, who are walking on trails with their dogs on a leash, wouldn't have to fear an unprovoked gator attack

No gators in the retention ponds? So, did the developer bus them in for the ambience, or did they walk in? And the fish that are in the ponds. And the bobcats, coyotes and possums and frogs and turtles? Guess we should get rid of the retention ponds and no more wildlife to frighten us and make us shiver in our boots.
Yeah! I like the way you think. Let's pave paradise and put up a parking lot. 🤔🫠🙃

[Kenswing]

Not one retention pond built here had any alligators in it.
So "they were here first" is not true.
With millions of alligators in Florida, getting rid of every one here wouldn't make any dent in the population. There even stupid people, doing stupid tings, would not be at risk. Even smart people, who are walking on trails with their dogs on a leash, wouldn't have to fear an unprovoked gator attack

Yep. Let's get rid of all the retention ponds. Then when it rains let me know how you like all that water in your house. And where do the gators go? Where the water is. So would you rather have the alligators in a pond or in your house?

[fdpaq0580]

With millions of alligators in Florida, getting rid of every one here wouldn't make any dent in the population. There even stupid people, doing stupid tings, would not be at risk. Even smart people, who are walking on trails with their dogs on a leash, wouldn't have to fear an unprovoked gator attack

Using your thougt process, if a gator did actually make a meal out of some stupid person doing stupid "tings", not only would it not make a dent in the ever increasing human population, but it would raise the average IQ.
Oh, let's all go down to the water.....

[LeRoySmith]

Yep. Let's get rid of all the retention ponds. Then when it rains let me know how you like all that water in your house. And where do the gators go? Where the water is. So would you rather have the alligators in a pond or in your house?

If we all chain a gator to the front porch post that would cut down on door knockers selling water treatment systems.

[fdpaq0580]

If we all chain a gator to the front porch post that would cut down on door knockers selling water treatment systems.

WOW! That is pure Genius! Wish I had thought of that.
How large would you suggest? Dog food or cat food? And do they prefer the dog or cat dead or alive? (Don't get yer knickers in a twist, pet owners. It is only a joke!)

🤨😕🫤🤣😱😡😧 thats me in the middle

[Maker]

Yep. Let's get rid of all the retention ponds. Then when it rains let me know how you like all that water in your house. And where do the gators go? Where the water is. So would you rather have the alligators in a pond or in your house?

I was saying how stupid the statement "they were here first" is. It is a false narrative to try to justify an invalid argument.
Maybe they were on earth first, but not in the retention ponds. Humans were at these ponds first.

I want them all gone. Allow trappers to grab as many as they want, anytime between sunrise and sunset.

[Topspinmo]

The claims walking through yards basically fault. I sure few (very few happened) the problems people think they own right down to retention pond, they don’t. when retention pond has public access and no fishing sign posted it can be fished. Public access would be retention pond next to public street. Or behind postal station. No interior golf course ponds, no retention pound surrounded by private property, no fishing were signs are posted. IMO anybody the would dare eat fish out of villages retention ponds might brave or hungry sole. The villages has rules on fishing retention ponds

https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/images/FishingGuidelines.pdf?ref=travellens.co

[fdpaq0580]

I was saying how stupid the statement "they were here first" is. It is a false narrative to try to justify an invalid argument.
Maybe they were on earth first, but not in the retention ponds. Humans were at these ponds first.

I want them all gone. Allow trappers to grab as many as they want, anytime between sunrise and sunset.

You want what gone? Ponds, or humans? And what or who are the trappers gonna grab? And what does sunrise and sunset have to do with anything?

[fdpaq0580]

I was saying how stupid the statement "they were here first" is. It is a false narrative to try to justify an invalid argument.
Maybe they were on earth first, but not in the retention ponds. Humans were at these ponds first..

Not all humans were at these ponds first. I know the gators have been in the ponds longer than I've been in TV. And I bet gators have been here longer than you. So, did you really not know there were gators here? Did the sales reps not warn you? "By the way M. Maker, if you don't like alligators, you shouldn't buy a home in TV."

And you want them all gone. Call their manager!

[crash]

The main thrust of the complaints that I read are people walking through yards to get to the ponds.
If you have to walk across private property to get to a pond it is not a fishable pond. All fishable ponds have public access to them.

[FlaDreamer]

If you have to walk across private property to get to a pond it is not a fishable pond. All fishable ponds have public access to them.

Here's the guidelines. Please don't fish behind our homes as a matter of security and privacy. Here's the guidelines/link to the entire development. THANK YOU!!

EXAMPLE:
Location:
Where to fish:

Located on Warnock Rd across from Lake Deaton pool
Alongside the banks of Warnock Rd

Located beside Lake Deaton Pool
Alongside the banks behind Lake Deaton Pool

https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/images/FishingGuidelines.pdf?ref=travellens.co

[Bill14564]

Here's the guidelines. Please don't fish behind our homes as a matter of security and privacy. Here's the guidelines/link to the entire development. THANK YOU!!

EXAMPLE:
Location:
Where to fish:

Located on Warnock Rd across from Lake Deaton pool
Alongside the banks of Warnock Rd

Located beside Lake Deaton Pool
Alongside the banks behind Lake Deaton Pool

https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/images/FishingGuidelines.pdf?ref=travellens.co

This section is also worth noting:
2. Fishermen may fish in any lake, canal or stream, whether natural or man-made, which can be reached without crossing over or trespassing upon any privately owned property or golf courses.

There is no mention of proximity to private property or position relative to private property so long as the body of water can be reached without crossing over or trespassing upon private property.

That 10' of land between your property line and the water's edge is not your private property no matter what the real estate agent led you to believe.

Similarly, the 10' of land from your house to your property line IS private property. If the fishermen are crossing that area or sitting on that area then they are trespassing and you should contact the local authorities.

[FlaDreamer]

Thank you for expanding the discussion and for the opportunity to further magnify what I should have provided the first time. I would agree with your answer as suggesting it applies to all bodies of water if the guidance did not specially identify those bodies of water that can be fished behind homes and those that are from the banks as shown below.

Agree that it may be confusing.

LAKE MIRA MAR
Location:
Where you can fish:
LAKE CHULA VISTA
Location:
Where you can fish:
SUMMERHILL POND
Location:
Dustin Drive next to the Silver Lake Rec. Center
You can fish the entire lake (respect homeowner property)

Behind the La Hacienda Rec. Center
You can fish the entire lake (respect homeowner property)

Avenida Central to Bernardo Blvd.

Along the banks of Bernardo Blvd.

[BillyGreenYokel]

I understand that some homeowners don't want anyone along the ponds behind their homes. But where's the love for the fishermen? I'd say most of these folks are respectful and just want to enjoy a little time trying to catch that BIG one. And in most places, if they stay near the water, they aren't close to the homes.

The Fishing Guidelines that were linked state that, "Fishermen may fish in any lake, canal or stream, whether natural or man-made, which can be reached without crossing over or trespassing upon any privately owned property or golf courses."

Residential lots do not extend to the water's edge. There is probably 20 ft or more of district property surrounding the ponds, depending upon water levels. So if there is district access to the pond from a street, recreation center, etc., then it seems that the area around the pond should be fishable if the fisherman stays on district property and does not cross onto private residential lots.

Ponds that are not fishable are clearly noted in the guidelines as Prohibited or marked with No Fishing signs.

There are ponds listed in the guidelines as Recommended Fishing Locations. The key word seems to be "Recommended". It does not say "Allowable", nor do the guidelines imply that these are the ONLY fishing locations.

The guidelines say, "Please be mindful and respectful by others property, vegetation, foliage, and landscaping". Why include this statement if fisherman cannot be near private property lines?

[Shipping up to Boston]

Since the ancient and honorable Villagers on these threads love to remind us how long theyve been here....it’s only fitting that the gators flex their seniority card. Even after many eviction attempts and the fact that we continue to be ‘squatters’ on portions of their land.......in the words of Tom Brady and on behalf of the gators ‘we’re still here’! As it should be!

[Stu from NYC]

It’s catch and release so only thing eating fish in TV is the gators

Dont forget the pelicans. They are very good at herding fish and than having them for lunch