LIVING WITH WILDLIFE There are many types of wildlife at Lake Ashton. During the spring, young animals, including sandhill crane chicks (called colts), are often seen. If you see a baby animal alone, it is usually not orphaned. Parents are often nearby searching for food or watching from a distance. The best action is to leave the animal alone and not remove it from its natural environment. If you believe wildlife is injured or truly orphaned, contact the nearest FWC Regional Office at 863-648-3200 or visit: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/ wildlife/injured-orphaned/ Residents are also reminded that feeding wildlife is illegal and can create unsafe situations. Feeding animals such as cranes, alligators, raccoons, and other wildlife reduces their natural fear of humans, which can lead to aggressive behavior, property damage, and sometimes the animal being removed or euthanized for public safety. Sandhill cranes have been known to damage window screens, scratch at windows, and may act aggressively toward people when they associate humans with food. Cranes attracted to residential areas are also at greater risk of being struck by vehicles while crossing roads, and many are killed on Florida roadways each year. Feeding can also disrupt their natural diet and increase exposure to lawn pesticides, which has led to crane deaths. Even accidental feeding, such as spilled birdseed, can harm wildlife. Native animals have abundant natural food sources and do not need food from people. The best way to protect wildlife is to enjoy observing them from a safe distance and never feed them. Learn more here: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/ wildlife/sandhillcranes/ Alligators and crocodiles are an important part of Florida's heritage and play a valuable role in the ecosystems where they live. Those who live near lakes and ponds should still expect to see alligators from time to time. Remember - never feed or approach an alligator. If you encounter an aggressive alligator, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline: 1-866-FWCGATOR (392-4286). Alligators under 4 feet in length are not considered a threat to humans. As long as residents have a healthy respect for wildlife, including alligators, there are opportunities to live and let live. There have also been reports of coyotes in the community. Please be mindful of your surroundings when walking at night with your pets. Make sure you walk in well lit areas, carry a flashlight, and avoid walking near wooded areas, when possible. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY No one plans on an emergency occurring while enjoying themselves at Lake Ashton, but should one happen, there are various emergency assistance items located throughout the Clubhouse and HFC that can help. The first step should always be to call 911 — remember, every second counts. There is an outdoor emergency phone near the East entrance gate of the Clubhouse, next to the large pool rules sign. This emergency phone can be used by all Lake Ashton residents, guests, and employees to contact 911 responders. The phone has a single push button, and an attendant will answer the call within 30 seconds to dispatch emergency responders. All dispatchers are CPR certified to assist with emergencies over the phone until help arrives. The emergency phone allows for automatic identification of the Lake Ashton Clubhouse address. The Clubhouse has a total of three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) installed. One is located at the entrance near the Fitness Center Restrooms, one is in the north dressing room near the back entrance to the Cinema, and the final one is next to the restrooms across from the Restaurant in the Clubhouse. There is an AED in the HFC Community Center, in the Hallway near the HFC Fitness Center, as well as on both roving patrol carts. All vehicles, including golf carts, must obey all stop signs and the 20 mph speed limit throughout Lake Ashton. A person operating a golf cart on public roads or streets who is under 18 years must possess a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. 22
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