West Meadows is a nature preserve. The community was designed to thrive in partnership with the wildlife that originally occupied the property. However, there are animals that grow to a size and temperment that is not consistent with human peaceful co-existence. Alligators, wild hogs, wild cats, coyotes, and large snakes are but a few animals that may pose a danger to humans from time to time.
Some simple precautionary human behavior might be helpful in avoiding confrontation with wildlife. Keeping garage doors completely closed and sealed is important in preventing intrusion of snakes and alligators. There is little more distressing than to enter your garage and find an alligator or snake underneath your car. Sometimes alligators sun themselves on the warm sidewalk. If you are out walking and notice something ahead on the sidewalk that resembles a piece of re-tread tire, you need to be aware of potential danger from an alligator. For humans living in a nature preserve, putting uncontained trash out the night before trash pick-up is an irresponsible act. It attracts and imprints wildlife with an artificial source of food. With the presence of animals such that were mentioned above, allowing your pet to roam free at night or any other time subjects your pet to the reality of the predatory food chain. If you put your cat out and it does not come back in the morning, posting "lost pet" signs is likely an exercise in futility.
PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING DANGEROUS ANIMALS:
1. Call the Division of Fish and Wildlife Hotline at 866-392-4286 and report the dangerous animal. You will be issued a CONTROL NUMBER to document the incident. The CONTROL NUMBER is important - write it down. 2. Call the Property Manager at 813/263-5905 and give him the CONTROL NUMBER that you received from Fish and Wildlife. The Property Manager will then call Fish and Wildlife and make a decision regarding disposition of the dangerous animal.
Please report any site problems to our Community Association Manager, Lloyd Rials, at (813) 263-5905 or lrials@greenacreproperties.com.