[Marjorie]

In Missouri we have to be careful at dusk and night time to keep small pets safe from owls and coyotes. I was wondering if you have them in that part of Florida and if alligators wander into yards as well?

Thanks

[JohnN]

My neighbor says when she lived in Lakeland right on a lake, that a gator was on her patio one morning. In The Villages, I've seen some gators in the Lake Sumter area sunning near the water.

I don't think they'll go far into a community, but if you're on water and unfenced, I'd take close watch of the pets and yourselves.

If a gator chases you, run in a zig-zag, they have trouble making turns.
You can't outrun 'em, they're as fast as racehorses.

Plan B is to trip your spouse and keep running LOLOLOLOL

[graciegirl]

I personally have not seen Owls or Alligators or other predators of small animals in The Villages, except for a small Alligator sunning himself on a little island and he/she was visible from Morse Boulevard as I zoomed by.

But...you should be warned about a handsome and very witty poster on here named Fumar the Magnificent, who SAYS he isn't fond of dogs.

[golfnut]

We have all three in TV. I see alligators almost everyday when golfing, nearly every (if not all) ponds have at least one gator in them. Played Heron last week and there was one on the bank by the tee box that was at least 8 feet long and another 6 footer on the bank on the other side of the pond. I have also seen coyotes in TV, saw one running through the Churchill golf course the other day. Although I don't think they would attack unless cornered or provoked, I would say yes, keep an eye out.............gn

[zcaveman]

Also, foxes have been sighted in the Mulberry area. I saw one on Walnut Grove but that was a while ago so I am not sure if they got rid of them or not.

[Halle]

We have seen several large Horned Owls in the oak trees behind our house and our neighbor saw a Florida Panther on the fence that borders the farm behind our homes. (lucky her I would love to see one) I have very large dogs so I don't worry about anything carrrying them off but my neighbor keeps a close eye on her Schnauzer!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Marjorie

In Missouri we have to be careful at dusk and night time to keep small pets safe from owls and coyotes. I was wondering if you have them in that part of Florida and if alligators wander into yards as well? Thanks

Because we back on a golf course, I am always vigilant about keeping my two dogs safe.

There are many predators (including Fumar) here in TV.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

I have also spotted Hawks,Eagles,Alligators and Bobcats.
If you have a small pet.............they will look at it as lunch......be with them when they are out.
I have seen the Hawks grab squirrels and a Bunny!

[Army Guy]

Saw that Gator at Herron last week while playing, it is HUGE!

Army Guy

[73Goat]

Originally Posted by JohnN

My neighbor says when she lived in Lakeland right on a lake, that a gator was on her patio one morning. In The Villages, I've seen some gators in the Lake Sumter area sunning near the water.

I don't think they'll go far into a community, but if you're on water and unfenced, I'd take close watch of the pets and yourselves.

If a gator chases you, run in a zig-zag, they have trouble making turns.
You can't outrun 'em, they're as fast as racehorses.

Plan B is to trip your spouse and keep running LOLOLOLOL

Yes, they are fast, but they tire quickly. If you can stay ahead of them for the first 50 yards, you're pretty much home free (I know I've been chased when I was a young one). They can't climb trees worth a darn either.

[73Goat]

Originally Posted by otherbruddaDarrell

I have also spotted Hawks,Eagles,Alligators and Bobcats.
If you have a small pet.............they will look at it as lunch......be with them when they are out.
I have seen the Hawks grab squirrels and a Bunny!

-----------------------------

Gators LOVE small dogs.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I personally have not seen Owls or Alligators or other predators of small animals in The Villages, except for a small Alligator sunning himself on a little island and he/she was visible from Morse Boulevard as I zoomed by.

But...you should be warned about a handsome and very witty poster on here named Fumar the Magnificent, who SAYS he isn't fond of dogs.

Too, too funny.

[collie1228]

Hijack alert - Sorry but I can't help it - running from a gator reminds me of one of my favorite stories:

Two guys are out in the woods hiking. All of a sudden, a bear starts chasing them. The first guy gets his sneakers out of his knapsack and starts putting them on. The second guy says, "What are you doing? Are you crazy? You can't outrun a bear"! The first guy says, "I don't have to outrun the bear. I only have to outrun you."

[swrinfla]

The only owls I've seen are the 140 or so who congregate in my house! I collect owl figurines and images.

Haven't seen any coyotes, either, but have heard that they're out there almost from the first day I came to TV, five years ago!

Were I to have a small dog who I let run on his/her own I'd worry constantly about eagles and a few other large predators who would view small four-legged creatures as a snack!

As it is, my Cat may attract attention, but she can't go beyond our screened lanai!

SWR

[Dougout]

I have been told that there are wild pigs in the area but I have yet to spot one.