Originally Posted by gmcneill (Post 344391)

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.

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl (Post 344407)

So yes, the birds of prey are a threat to small animals, but I think the odds are with the small animals. It would be the exception to have a small dog carried off, but I suppose it could happen. I'd be more concerned living by a pond or an open area.

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 344563)

for the record a red tail hawk can carry a third of its body weight. a red tail hawk typically weighs 4 to 7 lbs. do the math!

a great horned owl can carry around 3 lbs.

a bald eagle can carry up to 10 or 12 lbs.

so if you see any bald eagles hanging around your yard maybe, and i mean maybe, he may be a threat. certainly not something to keep you awake at night though.

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 344563)

for the record a red tail hawk can carry a third of its body weight. a red tail hawk typically weighs 4 to 7 lbs. do the math!

a great horned owl can carry around 3 lbs.

a bald eagle can carry up to 10 or 12 lbs.

so if you see any bald eagles hanging around your yard maybe, and i mean maybe, he may be a threat. certainly not something to keep you awake at night though.

Originally Posted by pooh (Post 344568)

Not to pick a nit, but actually, a red tail can carry a jackrabbit which can be double the redtail's weight.

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 344571)

only in tasty little 2 lb pieces

Originally Posted by pooh (Post 344575)

LOL.....probably so.

Actually they generally swoop in, kill, sometimes take their "lunch" with them, but many times, eat on the spot so to speak.

They are indeed beautiful raptors, aren't they!

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 344563)

for the record a red tail hawk can carry a third of its body weight. a red tail hawk typically weighs 4 to 7 lbs. do the math!

a great horned owl can carry around 3 lbs.

a bald eagle can carry up to 10 or 12 lbs.

so if you see any bald eagles hanging around your yard maybe, and i mean maybe, he may be a threat. certainly not something to keep you awake at night though.

Originally Posted by K9-Lovers (Post 344592)

Okay, red tail, you are digging your hole deeper each time you post about this topic. I'm sure you know a lot about a whole bunch of other things, but this particular topic is not one of those things.

Eagles and hawks grab their prey by the leg, the prey stumbles, the bird hangs on and sometimes somersalts with the prey as they fall. Then the bird(s) (they hunt in packs and so sometimes it is plural) attack and kill the prey, and eat it on site. The prey does not need to be carried in the air to some far away place.

Below are some videos of hawks and eagles killing and eating prey MUCH heavier than they are, including wolves, deer and dogs.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...d.php?p=334585

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 344628)

ok...i think we shoud have a poll. anyone in the villages ever lose a pet to a wild animal in their back yard. if anyone has ill just my mouth forever on!

Originally Posted by red tail (Post 344628)

ok...i think we shoud have a poll. anyone in the villages ever lose a pet to a wild animal in their back yard. if anyone has ill just my mouth forever on!

Originally Posted by katezbox (Post 344656)

No - but a friend told me of a neighbor's dog carried off by a gator on Palmer. Of course this is hearsay, so you may wish to renege on your commitment...