Originally Posted by Windguy (Post 2191451)

I took the bus tour at KSC. We saw a 10’ (?) fence with an outward-leaning short fence on top around one of the launch sites. The bus driver said it was to keep out the alligators. Even a 10’ high fence without the extra bit on top was not good enough.

Forget about retaining walls or fences to keep them out, but worry about things that are much more likely to kill you such as riding in a cart without a helmet.

Originally Posted by FFlank (Post 2191141)

My wife and I just finished a lifestyle preview visit, and are planning on returning in a few months for a longer stay. I know that gators are a fact of life in TV, but we're not anxious to find one on our doorstep when going out to get the morning paper :). When it comes time to pick a home location, is there a part of TV where a close encounter is less likely?

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2191151)

You would be better off worrying about real risks like fumes from the turnpike or electro magnetic fields from power lines than gators. Your risk of being struck by lightning is far greater than the risk of a gator attack.

Originally Posted by FFlank (Post 2191160)

Thanks, everyone for your thoughts so far. I know that issues are unlikely to arise, but I thought that maybe areas further north (where folks have been living for several years) might be less likely spots for alligators. Maybe this theory doesn't pan out, but I appreciate everyone's thoughts on the issue

Originally Posted by sowilts (Post 2191215)

We live on a retention pond at Linden. Currently two, male and female. They don’t come up to the house and will move from place to place. Every pond may have one. They are everywhere and like everyone said do not take dogs close to the ponds which people do. Don’t feed them. Have not seen any cats. There are more dangers out there. Snakes, Owls, cinch bugs, bad drivers. They are all over Florida. Don’t worry be attentive in your surroundings.

Originally Posted by ehendersonjr (Post 2191249)

Alligators can be found anywhere there is water in Florida. That includes lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps and man-made ponds. In fact, alligators infest all 67 Florida counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Basic tips to abide by while living among alligators and crocodiles in Florida include: never feed a gator, keep your distance if you see one, swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and keep pets on a leash away from the water. Will one show up on your doorstep? Probably not, as gators tend to fear us as much as we fear them. At some point though, you’ll be near water in TV. Keep your eyes open and pay attention. Otherwise, welcome to The Villages!

Originally Posted by ehendersonjr (Post 2191249)

Alligators can be found anywhere there is water in Florida. That includes lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps and man-made ponds. In fact, alligators infest all 67 Florida counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Basic tips to abide by while living among alligators and crocodiles in Florida include: never feed a gator, keep your distance if you see one, swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and keep pets on a leash away from the water. Will one show up on your doorstep? Probably not, as gators tend to fear us as much as we fear them. At some point though, you’ll be near water in TV. Keep your eyes open and pay attention. Otherwise, welcome to The Villages!

Originally Posted by jarodrig (Post 2191289)

Meet Winston, our pond’s resident gator…. We enjoy seeing him whenever he desires to pay a visit.

Photo taken from our bedroom window ….

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2191607)

I have been hit by lightning twice in my life.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 2191322)

I agree. Still I like to look around me when I get the morning paper.

Copy of an old photo:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2191151)

You would be better off worrying about real risks like fumes from the turnpike or electro magnetic fields from power lines than gators. Your risk of being struck by lightning is far greater than the risk of a gator attack.

Originally Posted by FFlank (Post 2191469)

Thanks to everyone who responded. I know that it’s a typical newbie question but it’s great to get everyone’s thoughts on the subject

Originally Posted by Glorantha (Post 2191513)

We live in the southern part of TV and love seeing all the wildlife, especially alligators. I have small dogs and walk them multiple times daily on the trails along the retention ponds. I’ve become very adroit at scanning the bodies of water to spot any alligators that may be present. Our dogs are leashed and I don’t let them walk to the waters edge. We have seen coyotes and I do keep them away from the large family of turkeys that frequent our trails.

Not sure where the OP lives but deer are the most dangerous animals in the USA. Alligators are #9, well below livestock, dogs and bees/wasps/hornets.
Top 10 Deadliest Animals in America - AZ Animals

Originally Posted by Vermilion Villager (Post 2191531)

I live on a natural pond in Marsh Bend that connects to Hogeye Sink. My lanai is 25' to the edge of the water.
We have a resident alligator about 5' long and during mating season there are 3-4. To be honest I have a hard time sneaking close enough to get a snaphot with my cell phone before they scatter. Bottom line is NO they are not a problem.

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 2191588)

So......was that poor unfortunate woman who was recently killed by a gator an appetizer?