On 6/17/04 9:38 AM, "JohnMcGrew" wrote:

I first noticed him about 3 years ago, with a frog leg (still attached to a
not-happy frog) in his mouth. Sightings were then occasional, perhaps a dozen
a year, as he was quite shy. As soon as he sees you approach the pond, he'd
disappear under the foliage. He's grown quite a bit since then, and is now 8
inches head to end of tail. His most obnoxious habits had been limiting the
frog population (needed for bug control) and snipping free the lily pads. I
also suspect he's responsible for some of the fish.

Last week, I found a blue jay in the pond with him making a meal of it.
Strange. Then earlier this week, I was looking out my window, and saw him out
of the pond, proceeding towards the lawn. I ran out and found him hiding in
the grass. I suspect he was hunting for birds, where he'd surprise them and
drag them back to the pond. As you can imagine, he wasn't particularly happy
when I picked him up. After taking a couple of pictures of his hissing and
snapping, I replaced him in the pond.

I now think that was a mistake. I should have kept him out when I had him.
He's a bit less shy now. The other day while feeding the fish, I watched as
he'd try to grab them as I fed them. Needless to say, he's not contributing
to
the happy environ that I'd like to have in my backyard. I'd like to capture
him and find him a more suitable home. Any suggestions the best way to
capture
him? The odds of finding him on walk-about again are not very likely.

John.


Can you net him while feeding the fish? How big a pond are we talking?

Joe



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