Alligators everywhere! Please tell me you're kidding! (Tampa, Palmetto: gated, travel)

[motorcyclemano]

Why would someone have to take the gator away. Shoot it and make yourself a pair of boots, some belts and a few wallets.

[Josh2020]

Is it common rattlesnakes, and lizards are found in your home in Florida? What areas are they most frequently found?

[CarolS]

Well we just moved to Sarasota and our new neighbor said there has not been an alligator in the pond behind our homes in 10 years. She did say someone saw a snake not too long ago but it was collected and taken away.

As far as lizards, well we just found one dying in my living room. I can only guess one of our cats got the little guy. My son put him outside since he seemed to still be alive. There is another one hiding within the coils in the back of our Culligan water cooler. We tried to get the poor fella out but can't reach him. He will probably die there hiding from the cats

[Keeper]

Cats do like to play with them, as do kids. My cat would bring them in the house occasionally

[mikewu9900]

Originally Posted by algia

I lived in FL for the last 6 years, soon to be 7, and have not seen ONE alligator yet! we lived in Fort Lauderdale which is known for having canals everywhere....and haven't seen one....I agree with Keeper, the Love Bugs......those SUCK big time! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE TWICE A YEAR.....AND I MEAN EVERYWHERE, can't see outside your windshield! mosquito's.

i cant ride my motorcycle for the love bugs season, i hate that

[Aconite]

Originally Posted by Chattanooga Girl

Tampa woman mourns terrier eaten by gator

She was walking him in the park when he suddenly ran ahead.
She ran after him. By the time she got to the water's edge a few people had gathered.
::snip::
Frey said she cried for eight hours straight.
She was lonely without Freddy today.
--Thomas Lake, Times Staff Writer

Darn shame she didn't keep him on a leash.

[swamp lily]

I've lived in the St Petersburg /Gulfport area for twelve years. No gator attacks that I'm aware of on people. Dogs, yup. Also- if you're a golfer and you hit your ball into a waterhole, leave it there- gators do take possesion of some water holes. Did have a gentleman get killed here a couple of years ago, by a Bull shark in Boca Ciega bay, behind his house. Jumped off his dock and landed on or next to the Bull. If you want to see some impressive gators, go to Lake Maggiore in St Petersburg. Many people used to feed them and it's loaded(just leave Fifi home!)
As far as lizards go- harmless. In fact, the local kids hold them up to their ears and the lizards take a hold of the ear. Lizard earings- guaranteed to make Mom shreek!!!
Good luck to you and don't fret the critters, they aren't any worse than cougars or a mulie in heat.
Harry

[SuziSu]

I welcome them. We have some in ponds around the community. Unfortunately we don't have one in the pond behind our house. I wish we did. I think they are cute. They don't really bother anyone. The cases are more rare then you think. I think it's cool to have gators. Now..... the lovebugs are watcha gotta WORRY about......

[Angler]

We have loads of lizards and black racers around our house. I love having the snakes; my wife, not so much.

Unfortunately we have the most vile, disgusting, dangerous creatures in all of FLorida - feral cats. They kill all the native birds and wildlife, spread disease, drive my dog and indoor cats nuts, and are a general nuisance. I wish I lived near a lake with gators- might keep the feral population down.

[SuziSu]

Ah! Wild domestic-type cats! I see. I didn't know they were called that. Interesting.