[Skunky1]

Beware of the dog walker with a long leash. Good luck!

[th2142a]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Carry pepper spray if you're concerned...

Carry a Glock

[Buckeye Bleau]

I walk at night and like it as well. The biggest hazard that I have encountered is the drunks returning home from their party or the square. Twice my wife and I had to jump to the yards nearby to escape the car.

[Astron]

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.

Is it possible to be attacked by an animal while walking at night? Sure, but you have much higher odds of being injured by the rolling beasts of The Villages. I wear an inexpensive high visibility safety sash or vest that is reflective and a flashlight. Enjoy the nighttime stroll but stay aware of your surroundings and you will return home safely. MOONSASH -- Made in USA > The Original Patented Reflective Sash > Reversible, Stylish, Durable, No-Fuss Night Walking Gear for Men, Women, Kids > in Neon Yellow or Midnight Black > Be Safe! Be SEEN! https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QCMSX...F8W45RFV67JH66

[paulajr]

..and..it’s considered trespassing...

Originally Posted by bowlingal

don't walk on a golf course...no lights and nocturnal predators abound

[toeser]

Originally Posted by DAVES

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

Nope, not needed.

[toeser]

Originally Posted by paulajr

..and..it’s considered trespassing...

When golf course service vehicles stop driving on my lawn, I'll stop walking on the golf course.

[toeser]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

Around 400 people in the USA are killed by wild animals each year

Avoid the top seven: deer (200), bees (100), dogs (30), cows (20), snakes (15), spiders (7) and bears (2) and you should get home safely.

Don't worry about deer, LOL. Those are car/deer accidents, not deer attacking people.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by LoisR

Wear a strong of garlic around your neck. It even protects you from vampires.

.....or a white wooden cross.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Cougers are usually back in their dens by 10pm!

But with whom?????

[dlebuis]

I walk after dark every night. I wear a flashing red light and carry a flashlight. Been doing it for a couple of years and never had a problem.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

Wear light colors, carry a flashlight, you have a phone(carry it). As to the person who says panthers(pumas or mtn. lions)will not attack humans except when cornered....that simply is not true. They are unpredictable and have been known to attack people in broad daylight. Some people know not what they say.

Is it safe? Never really has been...anywhere...but it's safer here than most places. Worried about wild animals? Stay away from wooded areas...carry a whistle.

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.

If you are walking at night, please wear a fluorescent green vest with reflective trim. These only cost about $5. While it’s easier to see people in light-colored clothing than dark at night, it only helps a little, especially when cars are using their low beams or there is a bicyclist with a weak headlight or none at all. Your risk of getting hit by something with wheels is much greater than the risk of getting attacked by a bobcat, even on some sidewalk where someone might be riding a bike. Also, carry a flashlight.

Here is a map of documented panther sightings.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by toeser

Don't worry about deer, LOL. Those are car/deer accidents, not deer attacking people.

Very true.

The roads would be a lot safer if they banned them from driving (I don't think they even have to pass a test?)

[J1ceasar]

Coyotes live here, buy hi intensity yellow at Walmart
, Carry an Air horn and or baton for sure and spray for mosquitoes

[b0bd0herty]

Originally Posted by DAVES

I do not claim to be an expert but I believe under Florida law you need a concealed carry permit for pepper spray.

You are correct. You are not an expert. No license required to open carry pepper spray that has less than two ounces. Thus sayeth Google.