[QUOTE=mikeod;381265]I can't count how many times I saw people doing stupid things at the fence. Sometimes the buffalo rested in the shade of a tree near the fence. I saw a man with his grandchildren throwing things at the animal trying to get it to come over to the fence. People, as stated above, holding youngsters over the fence with carrots to feed the buffalo. I once stopped and advised a lady to not climb on the fence with food, and she told me to "shut up".

Well that chapter of " The Story" Put's things in a different perspective, Maybe with people acting the way you described the Herd is in a better place, unless they ended up Buffalo Burgers!

Here in UpState there are many small farms raising Buffalo for it's healthy low fat and high protein.

Now you're making me really homesick for the buffalo. It was a sad sad day when we lost them. Everyone loved them and we had them for years. Many petitions were signed to try to save them.
Wish you could of seen them. There were never any bulls in the fields and the cows were gentle souls munching away.(Yes, people could still get hurt.) In the Spring, the babies would be born.
I totally agree that people can be stupid around animals.
Yes, we knew the fences weren't safe because people can do stupid things. We offered to pay for a fencing system that would keep the people and the buffalo apart. Mark wouldn't listen to anyone. Chuckster is right. Mike might be right too.
Whatever, it was sure nice having buffalo here and I really enjoyed them for years. I much preferred the green pastures with the buffalo to just looking at more houses like we have today.

We are still sad about losing the buffalo. It gave such a nice feeling to the open fields to see the majestic animals with their babies. But we always knew they were occupying expensive land, and that the Developer would eventually build on it.

I sure hope they are not hanging on a wall in a cabin in Montana:22yikes: It is a crime and a shame what some idiots will do to beautiful animals just for the thrill.

I doubt if they were ever really going to be considered permanent regardless of any run-ins with people - real or imagined.

Larry said it best - "Truth is the buffalo were used as tax deduction on land before houses were built"

That is the story I've been told and it sounds reasonable. The old 'best use of land' scenario.

[QUOTE="Truth is the buffalo were used as tax deduction on land before houses were built" That is the story I've been told and it sounds reasonable. The old 'best use of land' scenario.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, this bit of developer-bashing just doesn't wash. Cows work just as well as buffalo to get the Agricultural classification for tax benefits prior to the planned development -- and all of the undeveloped lands have cows to accomplish this. Look around south of 466A.

The buffalo are still here, just kept in an area that has no public access whatsoever. Use Google Earth and fly around to see them.

bike42,
First, those pictures are years OLD, back in the good old days. The Buffalo are gone.
Second, Many developments use mascots and the Buffaloes were our mascots. A decision could of been made to save some pasture and keep some of our mascots on view.
Third, been around cattle all my life and cattle can hurt people too.
Fourth, I still say a bad decision. Maybe a good decision for making money but not for the aesthetics of The Villages. When that many residents begged to save them, I think some should of been saved. The Buffalo brought a great deal of pleasure to many and many were disappointed when they were taken away.

Fifth, Its great here but it not all sunshine and perfect. The longer you live here full time, the more you see changes that don't always favor the residents.

I enjoy hearing what veteran residents like Bike 42 have to say and I know for a fact that bike knows whereof she speaks.

It is debatable whether a herd of buffalo is a draw to an area. I know it is debatable because it certainly has been debated.....AND debated.

I am one who has never felt the inclination to find a buffalo and watch it hang out.

I have mild interest in cows.

If we all felt the same way about things; buffalo, politics, religion, ice cream, it would be SO boring.

I know that some people on here can be mistaken. I met someone only recently who was under the impression that she had sweeter grandchildren than we do.

(Quote from Larry Wilson) "First, those pictures are years OLD, back in the good old days. The Buffalo are gone."

Sorry, but you are wrong. I saw the buffalo in person a few weeks ago.

Oh I just love to be told I am wrong. I see the buffalo every time I golf Amberwood!!!! They are not on Village property.
As a matter of fact there are quite a few buffalo farms around here. I'm off to a club so no flame with me. I have much better things to do here. As a matter of fact, there are so many great things to do here that I don't want to waste my time arguing with you or anyone else.

Sorry, Larry, I certainly don't mean to offend you. I just want people to know they are not hamburger.

Thanks. You're fine. I just gotta go. Get out and have some fun.

[QUOTE=Larry Wilson;

Many developments use mascots and the Buffaloes were our mascots. A decision could of been made to save some pasture and keep some of our mascots on. I still say a bad decision. Maybe a good decision for making money but not for the aesthetics of The Villages. When that many residents begged to save them, I think some should of been saved. The Buffalo brought a great deal of pleasure to many and many were disappointed when they were taken away.
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:agree:

The latest GoogleEarth photos of De La Vista were taken in January of this year, but not sure if the whole area was "renewed" then.

Also included are photos going back to 1994 - interesting to see what the place looked like before any development, then with a few houses completed.

Yes, good pics. I meant the buffalo pics were old.

Sorry to hijack but the full moon is just beautiful tonight.