This sounds like the start of a long discussion that deserves its own thread.

Who ? In my opinion (as a Florida native who retired in Florida), I think MANY people in their right mind have no idea, or a very vague idea they may have picked up from movies (?) about exactly what danger an alligator poses to people and animals. If folks come from a midwest state, or plains, northern, etc. where there are no alligators, they have no idea, just as I would have no idea of the dangers posed by a moose, or buffalo (since the only ones I've ever been around were the ones raised by the Villages at one time...and, apparently deemed more dangerous than the alligators since many people sat their grandchildren ON the rails of the herd's pastures... or, perhaps the interest in and price of buffalo meat dropped. But either way, they disappeared. I believe the Florida wildlife department will still remove alligators if reported in place like the Villages, but perhaps no longer since I certainly see my share of them when playing golf. I don't like to be a "chicken little the sky is falling", but, I would hope people would let new comers know it is truly not a good idea to go looking for a ball you think landed very close to the edge of a large pond; DEFINITELY not along the right edge of #8 on Heron !

Perhaps, but that would also open up quite a Pandora's Box. Among the things considered by The Villages administration might be, and not saying the things on this list are valid, but

1. Reluctant to advertise any hobby or leisure activity not encouraged, after all, many do not golf ?

2. Don't want to showcase any "dangers", even though they might exist ?

3. Time and expense incurred in trying to stop retired fishing enthusiasts from fishing near their own homes ?

4. IF it is banned, should not walking dogs on trails that include walking near water also be banned since that is a MAJOR attraction for gators ?

Just some random thoughts as to why The Villages might not do that.

& put up signs saying 'no walking near the pond' too!

On second thought, just don't go outside at all!!! Problem solved!

I saw that story on the CBS National news a few evenings ago.

He's been trying to contact you about your cars' warranty. :1rotfl:

Then, as a Florida native, you know it was highly unlikely this gator would have attacked this man if he didn't have a fish in his hand. Heck, I can make the case he didn't attack the man at all, he was grabbing the fish for a snack and the man's arm got in the way. Only the very largest gators will possibly attack a full grown man unless he is provoked, feeding him, or during mating/nesting season.

When you ban tourists, visiting family, and then suggest they go somewhere else, then come talk to me about moving away.

Otherwise, moving is not a solution.

Go solve those other problems. But that is off topic here. Don't hijack another thread.

If you move then your visiting family will be visiting elsewhere and you can feel they are safe.


As for tourists, those that visit me like to see the alligators. I can’t speak for any others and suggest they may not appreciate you speaking for them either.

There is nothing to be solved.

I recall some Japanese tourists at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor taking pictures of one another while standing a foot if that from a rather good sized gator. John Chestnut Park borders Lake Tarpon which has a very large number of alligators.

I'm far more afraid of 150,000 elderly and possibly drunk folks on golf carts than I am of alligators. I can steer clear of the alligators but dodging the old codgers is tough.

Good Point LeRoy.

I seen gators on golf courses. Villages should ban golfing.