Wildlife CO-EXISTING WITH ALL IGATORS Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Black-necked Stilt is a large, flashy shorebird that graces Lake Ashton with its presence in Spring and early Summer when they arrive to nest. The shallow nest is usually along the shore. Stilts favor the retention ponds on the West Course. This gregarious black and white shorebird has bubblegum pink legs and flies with them fully extended and will make much noise if the nest or young are too closely approached. The male and female are nearly identical, but the female is actually a very dark brown on the back. It's a real treat to see them gather the young under their breasts. This is one shorebird that not only will perform a broken-wing act to lure predators away, but can also put on an unequaled broken-leg act. Using the golf cart as a blind is one of the best ways to observe them without disturbing them. Alligators play a valuable role in the ecology of our state’s wetlands. Alligators are predators and help keep other aquatic animal populations in balance. Generally, alligators less than four feet in length are not large enough to be dangerous unless handled. However, if you encounter any alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWCGATOR (866-392-4286). Nuisance alligators are killed, not relocated. Visit MyFWC.com/Gators for more information. Be aware of the possibility of alligators when you are in or near fresh or brackish water. Bites may occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings near water. • Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. • Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators. Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Dogs often attract an alligator’s interest. • Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. • Never feed alligators – it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. When this happens, some of these alligators have to be removed and killed. • Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish camps. Do not throw them into the water. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you do this, the result can be the same. • Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember, they’re an important part of Florida’s natural history as well as an integral component of aquatic ecosystems I ONCE CAUGHT A FISH THIS BIG! Richard McPhee, left: bass caught in Dunmore Dr. pond, approximately 6 lbs. Joel Norling is pictured right, on Hole 11 on the East Golf Course and Laura Norling, far right, on Lake Ashton. Send a picture of any fish caught in ponds or lakes in Lake Ashton, along with your name, the lake or pond that it was caught in, as well as the type of fish caught and any measurements you may have (length and/or weight) to Valerie at valerie@lakeashtoncdd.com.
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