[JP]

When we were driving around one of the traffic circles on Buena Vista near Sumter Landing I swear I saw a black guinea pig run across the road in front of my car. Has anyone else seen something like this or can tell me if there are wild guinea pigs in this area or something that looks like a guinea pig.

[asianthree]

we have seen a pig but no guinea

[graciegirl]

They are probably palm rats.

One of the reasons we don't have palm trees. That and the palmetto bugs that live in palm trees.

Years ago someone posted that there were rats near a swimming pool and I thought she was crazy. There are a special variety of rodents that live here called palm rats and I was wrong, BestMom...you hear that?

I think they wear golf hats and carry a putter but they are phylum, subphylum rodentia.

[graciegirl]

I have GOT to stop kidding around. Some nice person just sent me a PM asking why Gary Morse gave me a house.

I am going to bed.

I will begin anew tomorrow, trying to correct misinformation.

Sleep well friends.

[JP]

I looked up palm rats on the Internet and WOW, they are HUGE. I'd hate to see one of those things around my house. This thing I saw was about the size of a big guinea pig, dark brown/black fur that was not shiney, and virtually no tail.

[JP]

Saw another one the other day on one of the executive courses running across the cart path. Sure looked like a guinea pig but must be some kind of field rat or mouse.

[Russ_Boston]

I have seen wild boar in the area (on Havana golf course to be exact). Might be able to dig up the pic I had.

[duffysmom]

I believe you saw a mole. They are big and healthy.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

I believe you saw a mole. They are big and healthy.

Maybe it was running from a Burmese python. I understand they are moving northward and have been sighted Hernando County. Now, that is scary.

Nile Monitor Lizards (reaching around 3 feet) have been sighted by the Ocala National Forest. Dangerous, too.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Rats, lizards, pythons, oh, my. Really making me want to come on down in a set of armor to protect myself. And did I forget the snake postings of the other day? I officially retire on Monday and can't wait even with the threat of all these creatures, but you people are scaring me a bit. Just sayin'...

[JP]

Oh come on now, ever area has its' fair share of critters and the villages is no different. You can't live in fear, just be aware and cautious as need be. I just think it is interesting to try and identify and/or know what does live around you. I killed a black widow spider on my screened in linai the other day. I really didn't know they were around here but I am certainly going to be a little more cautious when I see another shiny, large butted black spider with a red hour glass on it abdomen next to my chaise lounge like this one was. Was I scared? Yea, a little(1% of black widow bites are fatal). Am I moving out of the villages. Heck no!

[DougB]

Originally Posted by lovsthosebigdogs

Rats, lizards, pythons, oh, my. Really making me want to come on down in a set of armor to protect myself. And did I forget the snake postings of the other day? I officially retire on Monday and can't wait even with the threat of all these creatures, but you people are scaring me a bit. Just sayin'...

Have no fear, the gator in your backyard will keep them critters away.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by JP

When we were driving around one of the traffic circles on Buena Vista near Sumter Landing I swear I saw a black guinea pig run across the road in front of my car. Has anyone else seen something like this or can tell me if there are wild guinea pigs in this area or something that looks like a guinea pig.

And that is why it's important to encourage a healthy population of snakes in your back yard. Our snake family lives happily under our air conditioner. They love feral guinea pigs.

[duffysmom]

Originally Posted by lovsthosebigdogs

Rats, lizards, pythons, oh, my. Really making me want to come on down in a set of armor to protect myself. And did I forget the snake postings of the other day? I officially retire on Monday and can't wait even with the threat of all these creatures, but you people are scaring me a bit. Just sayin'...

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. Look forward to calling you neighbor.

[jimdad]

Almost at the same place we about hit something I thought it was a rat that was on Tues evening. Have no idea what it was jimdad