Managing pond predators

"It is a great asset," Rob said. He said one of the neat things about the pond the first few years was a huge log that was laid in the water feature. Unfortunately, a raccoon shredded the log in an effort to extract all the insects that were in it and parts of the log ended up in the filter, pump and pond. "It was a mess," Rob said. "It (the log) was nice while it lasted." Rob related a story that someone gave them a painted turtle which grew to a pretty good size in a few years. Visitors loved to see it sitting on a rock in the pond. Then, a snapping turtle appeared, laid its eggs and apparently drove off the painted turtle, because they never saw it again.

Moving on to predators, some named by the group were: snakes, muskrats, owls, raccoons, herons, possum and skunks. "Even eight year old boys can be a problem," Rob said with a smile.

"Do not shoot a heron," Rob said. They are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal law that went into effect in 1972. This act offers protection to all wild birds found commonly in the United States, except the house sparrow, starling, feral pigeon and resident game birds such as pheasant, grouse, quail, wild turkeys, etc. Resident game birds are managed by separate states and may be taken during season.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful for anyone to kill, capture, collect, posses, buy, sell, trade, ship, import or export any migratory bird, including feathers, parts, nests or eggs. Rob said if you find a blue jay feather it is technically illegal to pick that feather up and put it in your hat or use it in a flower arrangement or other decoration. Throw it away. If you find a dead heron, owl, etc. along the roadside, it is illegal to possess or have it mounted. Again, throw it away or call KDWP. Feathers found on Southwestern art such as skulls are usually chicken feathers that have been dyed to look like an eagle feather.

"Do not shoot more than you can pay for," Rob reminded everyone. Fines can range from $500 to $10,000. Permits are obtainable which authorize the taking of migratory birds, and their feathers, parts, nests or eggs, for bona fide scientific or educational purposes. As a last resort, you may also obtain a permit to shoot a migratory bird that is eating your prize koi. Federal agent Tom Halstead, Manhattan, 785-537-6855 would be able to help you get a permit or help prevent depredation. Kenny Kessler in Topeka, 785-232-5149 is the Federal Law Enforcement agent and can help with questions concerning Federal Law.

Ideas given for deterring herons were: net over the pond, fishing line or Mylar tape around the pond, decoys and the Scarecrow motion activated water sprayer.

Mammals:
“A live trap is the easiest way to handle mammals,” Rob said. The KDWP has live traps available to borrow for up to two weeks. The rental is free, but they charge a refundable $50 cash deposit if you return the trap in good condition. A homeowner can destroy any wild animal if it is causing damage. The City of Topeka prohibits the killing of wild animals in the city limits. Trapped animals would need to be released in the wild 10 miles out in the country with permission of the landowner or on KDWP Property. Rob said that skunks have to be able to stand up to spray so KDWP has two skunk traps that are narrow and short enough that the skunk can’t spray.

Tips that Rob gave to help keep raccoons, etc., away from your yard is to not feed dogs and cats outside, especially do not leave the food out at night. Another tip is to be sure you have a chimney cap as raccoons love to nest in chimneys. He related an incident where a lady called because she heard noises in her chimney. Come to find out the raccoon had been nesting in there for several years from the evidence of hair and feces found in the chimney.

Someone asked how to control moles and, other than cats and dogs, Rob suggested a metal mole trap that you stick in their run. He said the hardware store also carries poison peanuts to put in the runs.

Snakes:
Other than a glue board, Rob didn’t have many suggestions about how to catch a snake in the pond other than to physically remove it by hand. Allen Ellis suggested putting a small goldfish on a fish hook hoping the snake would take the bait. Apparently it has worked for Allen. Floyd Gruver suggested putting lava rock around the pond which might keep snakes from crawling over the rough lava.

If you have questions or need help with a predator problem you can call the KDWP, 273-6740, for assistance.