[Laker14]

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

[JohnN]

Originally Posted by Laker14

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]

Originally Posted by arbud

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!


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

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by New Englander

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]

Originally Posted by Laker14

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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...

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]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

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.