Alligators in Charlotte County (Punta Gorda: 2013, neighborhood, deed)

[the searchers]

Since we are moving into the cooler weather are there any places in your area where it is possible to ride by a location where the alligators are out on banks sunning themselves?

Last year there was a big one who used to sun himself on the banks of the pond at the Presbyterian Church on Burnt Store Road in South Punta Gorda.

I know most of us have lived here long enough to know and respect alligators, however if you are new to the area be very cautious around them as they can run extremely fast upon leaving the water, have a fondness for eating small dogs, have mouths filled with decayed matter and bacteria that will guarantee massive infections from even a small bite.

A good rule of thumb is to assume there may be an alligator in most any small pond you encounter.

But for the next few months keep an eye for them out sunning themselves on the banks of any ponds, rivers or mud puddles!

[MikMal]

I've seen a nice, big gator in the pond adjacent to the parking area of the Charlotte Co. Sports Park (where the Stone Crabs play). I haven't seen any in the ponds between the stadium and road, just the one in the back.

[mr&mrssunshine]

saw this fella last sunday

[MikeM8560]

ive seen some in the pond behind walmart in Murdock and the church west of the myaka bridge on 776 and when I lived over there behind wendys in guft cove in the ponds

[TamRE]

They come and go from different locations on the bank. Most ponds or small lakes will have them. My parents see them on their golf course in Punta Gorda. Some of the deed restricted developments with small ponds have them.

Other locations to go to see alligators - Nav-a-Gator at DeSoto Marina. The Shell Factory has them at their Nature Park.

[chuckycheese]

Originally Posted by the searchers

I know most of us have lived here long enough to know and respect alligators, however if you are new to the area be very cautious around them as they can run extremely fast upon leaving the water, have a fondness for eating small dogs, have mouths filled with decayed matter and bacteria that will guarantee massive infections from even a small bite.

A good rule of thumb is to assume there may be an alligator in most any small pond you encounter.

Note to self: Health & Safety warning #976 (that's only for 2013)....alligators can be very dangerous and also are likely to have bad breath. Also, replace current dog with larger model.

[the searchers]

Originally Posted by chuckycheese

Note to self: Health & Safety warning #976 (that's only for 2013)....alligators can be very dangerous and also are likely to have bad breath. Also, replace current dog with larger model.

Better start walking a horse if you are in this neighborhood.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lncwRnV4Gsg&feature=m-ch-fea%20%20%20%20%

[chuckycheese]

[quote=the searchers;32342003]Better start walking a horse if you are in this neighborhood.

Amen! I've only seen one off of my yard but it was a big one (10', I would guess). He hung around for at least 1/2 hour so I got a really good look. Even though my dog is a 'big girl', I didn't dare let her near the sea wall......he could have made 'short work' of her!

[the searchers]

Earlier this week and all of last week while it was cooler, the retention basin behind our local Publix had about a 6 foot alligator out sunning. He worked his way along the Eastern perimeter and could be seen daily till the weather warmed up again.

[Trbl39]

Come to my house. In our canal we regularly see Wally (15ft) Ally his wife(12ft), Tail, their son(9ft) Insti, their daughter (5ft) and Navi(3ft) their other son on a regular basis. Altho I will have to say it has been a few weeks.