Alligators????
 

Ok, this might sound like a silly question but are there a lot of alligators in TV? I know they are abundant around FL fresh water/swamp areas. I'm asking because friends who used to live in FL were over last night - they told us to be extra cautious when we walked our 2 little Shih-Tzus during our upcoming visit. This had never crosssed my mind before and now I'm worried. What's the real deal?
:doggie:

I played Palmer on Friday and saw 5 of them. So yes they are many of them around. And yes they really like small dogs.

I have seen them sunning on little islands in the ponds. One BIGGY had to be caught crossing Morse last year.

BUT....I have not heard of any harm coming to man or beast here in The Villages.

Lisa.... not to worry. Yes, there are gators in just about every body of water. I, personally, have never seen a gator more than about 10 feet from the bank of a pond or lake. Walking your pup along the multimodal trails or sidewalks will be perfectly safe. Just be careful around the perimeter of any body of water.

We've been here for over a year...I don't golf my other 1/2 does. He sees gators on the courses (well in the water) all the time. I've yet to see one...I'd guess if you're on the paths or sidewalks no worries about your dog. I'd not walk it near the ponds, more than likely.

I have learned to just buy another golf ball :)

Palmer (Riley Grove)

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/...7/P1020586.jpg

Hi Lisa,

Yes, there are gators in Florida and in The Villages, but they're not walking the streets, well not usually.... ;) Gators hang around and are in the retention ponds and lakes. The concern for your dog's safety is justified if you take them to walk near these ponds. Walking your pooches in town, in neighborhoods and in areas without bodies of standing water (and they can be small bodies of water) should keep you from too much worry. There's a leash law here and it is better to adhere to it, especially since the dogs could run away from your sight, to a pond, into the road or cart path and be hurt.
You'll love The Villages and your dogs will, too. So many doggies, walking, riding in golf carts (they love it more than the kids do). ENJOY!

nice picture!

I'd worry more about golf carts and cars hitting a lose dog than the alligators even though there would be a concern with a dog who got away from his/her master as well.

In my small circle, I know of two people who have had their pooches hit my a vehicle either in or near the Villages. One of these was because of one of those very long retractable leashes on a golf course and a distracted dog owner walking and talking at the same time.

I am not sure of the circumstances of the dog getting hit by the car but expect it was something along the same lines--a distracted dog owner and/or vehicle driver.

When I am walking my dog, I try to keep him away from all ponds in or near the Villages as well as lose dogs and distracted golf cart and other vehicle operators.

Thanks for all your quick responses! So, it looks like this could be a valid concern. I'll make certain we stay away from retention ponds and such while we're there. We do not let our dogs off leash and do not use the retractable leashes. We'll be down on the 25th, staying for 5 nights (Lifestyle Preview Visit). Can't wait!

I haven't had a get together for awhile. I wonder who else will be new here when you are here................

Don't worry about your little dogs. Like the others have said, use common sense where you walk them and use the 6 foot leashes. Naturally, don't walk them in the tall grasses by the lakes or ponds.

Alligators are amazing animals. Leave them alone by all means and NEVER feed them anythng.

Haven't had the pleasure to meet you yet, Gracie. We'll be here thru April!:a040:

Alligator
 

I've not uploaded pictures lately so hope this works. This is a small one is near the boardwalk at Lake Sumter Landing.

Please do not feed the cute little alligators
 

Unfortunately that little alligator will probably be destroyed before he becomes an adult. Foolish people are feeding these creatures and they have become much too friendly. Once they become less fearful and approach humans they will be destroyed.:ohdear:

lisad your little dog is adorable and if you follow the great advice above you will not have a problem walking your little guy.
You'll love it here.

You should be fine as long as you can still run faster than the little dog.

Also, dont go thru any of the golf cart tunnels unless you have a gun in your cart.



just kidding of course.

I did not know they allow dogs when doing a Lifestyle Preview Visit. That's good news. Is there a size limit?

Come on down...
 

You and your adorable poooooches will love it here.....Warning, bring lots of money, because you are going to fall in love with this place like the rest of us owners!:MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

Hi Gracie...would love to have the chance to meet you. DH and I will be moving in permanently at the end of March. Hooray!:pepper2:

Love your SHI Tzu pic.

We had 2 that passed and now have 2 Shi Tzu/ maltese mix brothers shown in the picture.

I wondered the same thing about FL and have only seen 2 in 7 years; bummer.

No clue about the size limit. When we booked our preview visit, we asked about bringing our dogs. We were told they were allowed but we had to pay an extra $200. They are worth it!!

Lisa

From the cart path on 466 just west of the new home construction. I believe this is between the 6th and 7th holes on Palmer Legends CC Laurel Valley. Dec 25, 2010.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...pictureid=2522

I think the size limit on gators is about 20 feet + or -.

The pond on 466a just west of Truman and before going up the hill to area set aside for commerical developement. This is east of the tunnel under 466a. Often spotted laying on the large concrete drainage pipe on the south edge of the pond and can be seen from 466a. Dec 24, 2010.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...pictureid=2520

Other gator locations are the lake located on the Turtle Mound executive course. Also on Buena Vista heading north at Palmer Legends CC first hole of Riley Grove. Signs are also posted here.

Another location is the small pond just to the right of the traffic circle on Morse Blvd. before heading across the bridge.

Don't mind the cost of the golf ball but I need to save the stroke!

Last March I watched a gator swim across the pond on Turtle Mound and take a Sandhill Crane. Took him about 20 minutes. I guess the gator didn't know the cranes are protected!
Like everyone has said just keep your dog away from the ponds and you should be fine.

:cryin2:That's sad.:cryin2: I know alligators have to eat too but it's still sad. Sandhill Crandes are beautiful birds; they mate for life and when you see a pair, one will be feeding while the other keeps watch. They take turns. The beauty of nature is so abundant in TV it's breathtaking. To see a prehistoric alligator hunting while out walking or playing golf is amazing. We have a huge hawk who thinks my yard is his buffet, he hunts the cute little mourning doves who are slow taking off. Since my dog is only 3 1/2 lbs I have to keep a sharp eye out for this very fast predator.:doggie: Never a dull moment.

Your friends advice was good. Be careful around all of the lakes and large ponds. Gators move a lot and should be considered in all the ponds in TV - whether they are or not.

small dogs make a great snack - don't take them anywhere near the water