[Barefoot]

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!

I have often seen hawks circling above the large open fields at the dog park (DDRR). They're probably looking for rodents and rabbits.

Even though dogs run and play leash free, I am always careful with Biggins, my ten lb wonderdog.

[Marjorie]

Wow, sounds like all sorts of animals could be a threat. Here as long as I let my big dog out with little Bear, and it is day time we are safe. But, I have a 6 ft. wood fence. I have flood lights I turn on at night.

It seems like an electronic fence would be useless for them, as any critter could come in and they couldn't get out. I just can't imagine taking my dogs for walks at the odd hours they need to go out. I can barely get the motivation to make coffee at that hour.

I know there are a ton of people with tiny dogs at TV. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[RoseFarkas]

I heard a bobcat near our home Monday night.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by RoseFarkas

I heard a bobcat near our home Monday night.

Obviously, you would be helping us more by mentioning where your home is located.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.

Just thought that Marjorie would like to see what Fumar looks like in case they cross paths!

[pooh]

I live in Caroline and we have beasties around here. A couple of years ago one of our neighbors on our street had a gator sunning at her front door. At the time, she was a snowbird and others saw the reptile. The house does back to a water/marsh area. Another neighbor has seen a bobcat in the neighborhood. There are hawks and one decided that the bunny that hangs out in my yard was going to be lunch. The hawk chased the rabbit and when the bunny hid in a planting area, the bird just sat on the fence and waited. Rabbit came out, hawk started chasing. Of course, there are feral cats around, too, as well as rats, snakes. Probably just as many "hunters" where we've all come from, just some different kinds here.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

Just thought that Marjorie would like to see what Fumar looks like in case they cross paths!

Thanks Skyguy, you are hilarious!

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Dougout

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

I'm pretty sure I saw a couple at the Cattle Baron salad bar. Whew, scary sight!

[raynan]

There is a nest of great horned owls in the large tree behind Altamont Villas and an alligator that has been photographed behind the homes on the golf course on Markridge Loop.

[John_W]

Last month I asked my salesman how come I never see any trash cans and he said they only put the trash bags out. I told him here in Maryland if I did that, the racoons, possums and foxes would have my garbage torn to pieces. He said they don't have a problem with wildlife other than gators and snakes, which you can usually avoid.

[KatzPajamas]

OK...two questions: 1-what is a Florida Panther? 2)what is the snake population like in The Villages?

[pooh]

Originally Posted by KatzPajamas

OK...two questions: 1-what is a Florida Panther? 2)what is the snake population like in The Villages?

Here's a Florida Panther....

Here you can read a bit about our state animal.... http://www.flheritage.com/facts/symbols/symbol.cfm?id=6


As for snakes, they're around, but you might not see them. When my house was being painted last spring, the painter found two snakes hiding in the bushes near the house. He picked them up with his paint pole and relocated them to the plantings behind my back yard.
Personally, I've see a couple of deceased black snakes, but neighbors have found a venomous snake in their garage. They back to a water/marsh feature. My mother in law had two little garter type snakes in her lanai. Not sure if it's any worse than where I lived before in southern CA. HOWEVER, in Florida there's a saying, never put your hand where your eyes can't see.

Remember, snakes are an important part of the ecosystem here in The Villages. They'll probably move away from you faster than you, away from them...

[KatzPajamas]

WOW! I am glad to know that my future home state has such a beautiful creature as State Animal! The face reminds me our cat ET. She is rather large since her daddy was a Maine Coon cat. She too can be scary looking, but she doesn't have a clue.

[jebartle]

Bluedog, you are a hooooot!....Also spotted at Golden Corral!...tee hee!

Originally Posted by bluedog103

I'm pretty sure I saw a couple at the Cattle Baron salad bar. Whew, scary sight!

[SALYBOW]

The huge Gator at Heron is called Big John. The staff says that usually when Big John is around the others leave the building. It sounds like not always. I saw a fox coming from the unconstructed area North of 466A, near Colony. It was coming close to the street. There have been emails going around about the Gator that strolled across the fairway at Redfish, and the one that sat at the foot of the stoop at a home in Bonnybrook. Redfish has water but I am not sure about Bonnybrook. It is mating season and you know how those guys get during this season!