[Windguy]

Originally Posted by Battlebasset

I live on a pond, but there is a three foot retaining wall and a 42" fence on top of that. Vertical balusters, so gator couldn't climb it (probably).

I took the bus tour at KSC. We saw a 10’ (?) fence with an outward-leaning short fence on top around one of the launch sites. The bus driver said it was to keep out the alligators. Even a 10’ high fence without the extra bit on top was not good enough.

Forget about retaining walls or fences to keep them out, but worry about things that are much more likely to kill you such as riding in a cart without a helmet.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Velvet

There are all kinds of deniers but OP has a valid question. Alligators like water, marshes, ponds, lakes. They go from one water to the other. Look at the house you are interested in on the map. Is it on an alligator path?

On the other hand, it is true, alligator attacks are rare in TV.

A few years back my wife and I were walking along a gravel road adjoining the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. Moose country. A couple of cars saw us and stopped. Turned out they were researchers from a Big Ten university…Ohio state, if I recall correctly. Their spokesperson, an earnest young lady in ranger hat and camouflage shorts, asked us if we could give them directions to the “moose habitat”. Turns out they were in the area to research the critters.

I recall telling her that the “moose habitat” was pretty much anywhere the moose wanted it to be.

Probably equally true for alligator paths. I doubt the critters are too concerned about following established routes. Their path is going to be pretty much anywhere the alligator wants it to be.

[manaboutown]

It seems to me sinkholes have been a bigger problem in TV than alligators. OP, you may want to check out where they have occurred in the past.

[FFlank]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I know that it’s a typical newbie question but it’s great to get everyone’s thoughts on the subject

[Pennyt]

During mating season gators travel between ponds. It's a rule in Florida that if there is water, there is probably a gator somewhere in it...even retention ponds. As far as fencing, I remember a photo of a gator climbing a chain link fence. So, they can climb. I've seen gators trying to cross 4 lane highways when I lived in Tampa. No where will you be guaranteed to be gator-free. Just remember to never feed one and stay away from the water's edge, especially in the mornings and evenings when gators tend to feed. They are opportunists and look for the easy meal. That being said, most of the time they stay away from humans (unless people have been feeding them). I've canoed the Hillsborough River with them swimming alongside the canoe and they never attacked.

[Carlsondm]

Originally Posted by FFlank

My wife and I just finished a lifestyle preview visit, and are planning on returning in a few months for a longer stay. I know that gators are a fact of life in TV, but we're not anxious to find one on our doorstep when going out to get the morning paper . When it comes time to pick a home location, is there a part of TV where a close encounter is less likely?

We purchased one street in from the ponds for that reason. We are close to the water, but not on the water. During mating season the gators seem to move a bit and I don’t want to meet one during my morning walk.
We see gators the rest of the year sunning themselves around the ponds, but they are no trouble if you give them space. They seem to keep the snakes down.
We are in a new area that was developed from a cow field. Birds, gators and snakes are returning to our ponds after the construction commotion. We live in a wildlife encouraged area, if that is what you are asking. Wetlands and ponds are abundant. I always assume gators and snakes are close by. Usually if you have gators you won’t have snakes though. Typically it’s one or the other. If you buy in a heavily travelled shopping area wildlife may not be as abundant.

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by Windguy

I took the bus tour at KSC. We saw a 10’ (?) fence with an outward-leaning short fence on top around one of the launch sites. The bus driver said it was to keep out the alligators. Even a 10’ high fence without the extra bit on top was not good enough.

Forget about retaining walls or fences to keep them out, but worry about things that are much more likely to kill you such as riding in a cart without a helmet.

Was it a chain link fence? They can climb those.

[Lea N]

Originally Posted by FFlank

My wife and I just finished a lifestyle preview visit, and are planning on returning in a few months for a longer stay. I know that gators are a fact of life in TV, but we're not anxious to find one on our doorstep when going out to get the morning paper . When it comes time to pick a home location, is there a part of TV where a close encounter is less likely?

JohnN gave you the best advice (that I've read so far.) Keep your eyes and ears open but don't live in fear. Keep in mind that May & June is mating season for gators and that is when they are more aggressive.

When my husband and I lived in SE FL I used to walk every morning with our dog. We weren't near any bodies of water, but still I stayed alert. We lived in an area that wasn't very developed at the time. I used to look around and if I saw a pick up truck in someone's driveway I knew I could run there with my dog if I had too, and jump in the back of the truck. Except, I didn't know that gators can climb fences! So it's not likely a truck would deter one.

Back in the 70's my husband's folks moved to FL. When they first moved in they found a small gator in their pool.

[Glorantha]

We live in the southern part of TV and love seeing all the wildlife, especially alligators. I have small dogs and walk them multiple times daily on the trails along the retention ponds. I’ve become very adroit at scanning the bodies of water to spot any alligators that may be present. Our dogs are leashed and I don’t let them walk to the waters edge. We have seen coyotes and I do keep them away from the large family of turkeys that frequent our trails.

Not sure where the OP lives but deer are the most dangerous animals in the USA. Alligators are #9, well below livestock, dogs and bees/wasps/hornets.
Top 10 Deadliest Animals in America - AZ Animals

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by FFlank

My wife and I just finished a lifestyle preview visit, and are planning on returning in a few months for a longer stay. I know that gators are a fact of life in TV, but we're not anxious to find one on our doorstep when going out to get the morning paper . When it comes time to pick a home location, is there a part of TV where a close encounter is less likely?

I live on a natural pond in Marsh Bend that connects to Hogeye Sink. My lanai is 25' to the edge of the water.
We have a resident alligator about 5' long and during mating season there are 3-4. To be honest I have a hard time sneaking close enough to get a snaphot with my cell phone before they scatter. Bottom line is NO they are not a problem.

[Daxdog]

Originally Posted by FFlank

My wife and I just finished a lifestyle preview visit, and are planning on returning in a few months for a longer stay. I know that gators are a fact of life in TV, but we're not anxious to find one on our doorstep when going out to get the morning paper . When it comes time to pick a home location, is there a part of TV where a close encounter is less likely?

No, don’t worry, if you are worried move into the Lofts.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by jarodrig

Meet Winston, our pond’s resident gator…. We enjoy seeing him whenever he desires to pay a visit.

Photo taken from our bedroom window ….

No thanks. You can have it!

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by charlie1

I would not worry about alligators. I have been in Florida for almost 40 years, most of which were on ponds or swamps with alligators. Just be a smart pet owner by keeping your pet on a leash and AWAY from the ponds! Do not feed the alligators! Do not have your grandkids near the ponds without supervision! Do not provoke the alligators. The only attacks in the Villages that I am aware of have been against dogs where the owner was careless by not having the dog properly constrained.

Those gators are FAST. What will supervision do when that gator comes charging at those kids? Ridiculous to even think about going near any body of water here.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Velvet

I agree. Still I like to look around me when I get the morning paper.

Copy of an old photo:

Avon calling.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Same here along with the other wildlife. The gaters are well fed, fat and happy with all the fish in the lakes.

So......was that poor unfortunate woman who was recently killed by a gator an appetizer?