[DaleDivine]

[QUOTE=MandoMan;1948519]I don’t think there has been a documented sighting of a Florida panther in The Villages. They weigh about four to six times as much as a bobcat. More like Great Dane size. If you live near a swamp and have seen bobcats, be careful about leaving your little lap dog outside by itself at night, but you don’t do that, anyway. It won’t be attacked if you are walking it on a leash, and you won’t, either.

I have a friend that has a home overlooking Lake Miona, He took photos and a video of a Florida panther walking along his fence line near the preserve. It was tan colored and had a long tail that went down to the ground. And was much larger than a bobcat.

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.

Hard to see them small balls at night.

What does national parks bears,have to do with a stroll in TV?[/QUOTE]
Nothing in there about small balls.
And was just meant to be humorous like a lot of the other posts on TOTV.

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by stanley

I prefer 9mm myself.............To me it's like Mastercard...never leave home without it.

Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

[Tennisbum]

was that a short joke! Wee people are offended!

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Cougers are usually back in their dens by 10pm!

but the 2-legged kind may still be lurking about!

[worahm]

I have lived in this area for over 25 years. Over the years I have experienced a momma bear with her cub in my back yard, two families of fox sit by the woods edge at 4pm every afternoon for weeks, watching their litter romp in the grass in my back yard, A Florida Panther walking down my sidewalk, several racoons climbing the oak tree in my front yard, a young eagle who decided to spent the night inside the screen enclosure on my lanai. And, a 6 foot alligator sleeping in a garden near my front door.
Not once, did I feel threatened or unsafe. They demonstated no hostility and left the area of their own accord within a half hour. I keep my distance and look forward to their visits.

[stanley]

Originally Posted by Rlheinz19@yahoo.com

Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

The Village of Silver Lake......you can stay away if you're afraid.

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by Rlheinz19@yahoo.com

Let me know where you are. I would rather risk a wild animal than most people carrying.

Perhaps he was channeling his inner Barney Fife who carried in dangerous Mayberry.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Not many sidewalks where we live so to me the biggest worry is getting hit by car or golf cart.

Where a light color or something reflective.

You have that right.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Tom. You are not worrying the right way. My wife could teach you. She's an expert.

[DALEPQ]

We live in Fernandina, I have commented to my spouse, that we see many single ladies
walking past us in the evening, without apparent fear or concern! It is a great idea to be
"lite up" so that others can see the person walking, very common to see that. I do think
T.V. "Patrol" does have a positive factor in keeping up the safety of T.V. In Fernandina
we don't seem to have much concern about "wild critters" attacking people.

[stanley]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

Perhaps he was channeling his inner Barney Fife who carried in dangerous Mayberry.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by GoHawks!

I am a night owl and enjoy walking in the evenings between 10 and 11 pm. I find it to be cool, quiet, and peaceful. I have been noticing on several sites that people have been seeing bobcats or panthers at night around The Villages. I would like some opinions about how safe it is to walk after dark. Thank you.

Bobcats are about as dangerous and big as house cats. They would be more afraid of you. You could kick them to death if you wanted to. Panthers are rare and rarely attack humans. You could carry mace spray to be sure. Now alligators are a different story. At night they are aggressive and it may be mating season, so don't walk too close to lakes. You might try walking around hilly streets. Or around a softball field or a golf course because the grass will be cut low and you likely would see an alligator coming. You could also walk around a square. If you ever would happen to have an alligator attack you - remember they are fast and can outrun you - climb a tree if desperate. Also at night, you have a pretty good chance of seeing coyotes. it is rare for them to bother you, but your imagination could make you think that they are a panther. Coyotes are plentiful and I find their howling to be relaxing at night. Mace would easily take care of a coyote.

Now to the MOST dangerous animal on the planet.....fellow humans. TV Land is relatively safe from criminal activity, but it IS NOT zero. A woman should not wear suggestive clothes when walking at night and avoid the bars on the squares. Speaking of clothes........wear a reflective something or a white or yellow top so that vehicles can see you and walk facing traffic when on the streets. That's all that I can think of.

[ryoungs]

Originally Posted by stanley

I prefer 9mm myself.............To me it's like Mastercard...never leave home without it.

Nonsense. How terrible. I have traveled solo all over the world, and have been a backwoodsman all my adult. I've never felt the need to carry a gun.

[stanley]

Originally Posted by ryoungs

Nonsense. How terrible. I have traveled solo all over the world, and have been a backwoodsman all my adult. I've never felt the need to carry a gun.

Good for you. It's not for everyone