:popcorn:

Bill :)

When our oldest daughter lived in Apopka she and her hubby would hear awful screeches and howls at night and neighborhood cats that were outdoor types would go missing! She would see hawks flying low over their neighborhood in the evenings.
Pooh...that is so sad for the owners of the Doxie!!!! I couldn't imagine! I would be devastated to see that! We had our Dachshund Rocky for 14+ years and he was, like the pets of many TOTV folks, part of the family. We have a 13 year young cat, Muffin, now and am hoping he'll make it to The Villages with us. He will NOT be going outside with the birds of prey, snakes and gators! I am not sure if I will be going outside with them either! :22yikes:

Love your reply K9
 

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

I've posted a big hawk in our birdbath just waiting for dinner to walk by....Will see if I can dig it up again

whatever you do dont come. this is an extremely dangerous place!!!!!!!!!

Here is a pic of hawk in LaZamora
 

Just waiting for dinner to walk by!

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...inb-bath-1.jpg

red tail...Yes, the sarcasim is killing me already! :wave:

I'm no ornithologist, but I think that's a photo of a red tailed hawk. And the "don't worry" post is from "red hawk"? Could it be? And a comment made by "HawkeyeBarb"? Is TOTV being overrun by hawks?

It's only dangerous if you're not aware, red tail. Once the "dangers" are known, each person can decide how they'll deal with them. I deal with them one way , you deal with them in another way.

:eek::shocked::icon_wink:

Not sure I am a worrywart - but definitely am pragmatic...while I don't live in fear of attack by gators, snakes, raptors, etc. I wouldn't want to get in their way, either...

Haw(k) Haw(k) Haw(k). :1rotfl:

Great response, Pooh!

Westcoastsunshine, Welcome to the east coast sunshine!! You're a good and wise mom to be careful with beloved pet. Just use your common sense and good instincts and you and your 10 lb pooch will thrive here.

Love,
Pturner and her almost-8-lb. Bogey :doggie:

Actually, the name is "red TAIL" not red hawk. I'm thinking more of a baboon than a bird. :boom:

(of course I am just kidding around, red).

:1rotfl:

Wouildn't a bird of prey take advantage of hunting whatever smaller creature was easily available for the taking be it a rabbit, squirrel, kitty or small dog? The hawk or owl isn't going to stop and think, now this is someone's pet, so I cannot make a meal out of it. Birds of prey and coyotes have eaten people's pets in suburban Chicago, especially in the forest preserves and more outlying suburbs. I wouldn't let my small dog or cat outside unattended.

osprey
 

While I am not exactly a worry-wart, and despite a few occasions when my actions clearly dispute Darwin's theories on natural selection/survival of the species, I am reasonably prudent when it comes to safeguarding my family, my pet, and myself from dangers of any nature.

Maybe it's me but I'm thinking it rather irresponsible for an adult to lift a child over a fence just to get a more up close and personal look at a gator.

Red tail is correct, generally speaking, most wild animals will retreat rather than confront a human. Generally, but not always...and one "not always" is a definite life-changer, if not a possible a life-ender.

Alligators and certain snakes can kill you, or at least mess up your day.

Birds of prey- emphasis on prey- will swoop in and snatch away one's furry, four-legged child if that pet is a convenient target.

When it comes to appreciating wildlife, an appropriate balance of curiosity:caution, wonder:logic would serve most folks quite well.

Getting close to Nature can be a wondrously beautiful experience; getting close to fauna that considers me a dining option...not so much.