2022 caught 20 , 2023 #22 - #27: 2024, #28-32 Caught

[j.w]

Can you post again where you got your snake trap or the best method that worked? Garter snakes are becoming a problem this year again... I don't care about the little ones, but some of them get huge gorging on baby goldfish or mosquito fish until they are large enough to catch the big goldfish, then they drag the big fish out of the pond but they are too big to swallow so they leave them to die. They even got one this year that I previously rescued by pulling it out of a giant garter snake's mouth a couple of years ago. Unfortunately capturing them involves happening to see unusually large snakes near the pond and being able to step on or net them so they can be stuffed in a can and relocated.

Oh no is this what I have to look forward to w/my smaller garter snakes that are hanging around my pond? I'm in Washington and thought I was safe but if they can haul them out and then leave them to die I will not be happy!

 

[addy1]

We have garter snakes, rat snakes, never seen them even close to the pond.

Water snakes different story

 

[j.w]

We have garter snakes, rat snakes, never seen them even close to the pond.

Water snakes different story

I have seen my garter snakes jump in my pond and swim after frogs, at least I thought it was for frogs. Now I'm thinking they could be after fish also. Not sure they ever catch them but they do swim for them.

 

[addy1]

From watching the snakes, they catch by stealth. Not swimming speed. Watched more than one chase fish with mouth open. Never caught any. BUT hiding in the ex forest of hornwort, they snagged fish.

I yanked out tons of hornwort, until snakes are gone. Just pulled out more. Have some left but not the forest.

 

[addy1]

#29 caught

 

[Hound Heaven]

#29 caughtView attachment 164025

What kind is that one?

 

[addy1]

What kind is that one?

Northern water snake.

Wet so it's colors show better. Almost looks like a copperhead.

 

[Hound Heaven]

yeah, those markings stood out but the head shape looked benign.

 

[GBBUDD]

@addy1 I think it might be time to look for a half dozen koi that have outgrown their ponds . There's always a handful available each year and that way snakes go hungry as they can't eat jumbo koi

 

[addy1]

Lol no thanks, I love my non disturbed lilies.

And cross breeding between koi and goldfish.
Over population will come

 

[GBBUDD]

Lol no thanks, I love my non disturbed lilies.

And cross breeding between koi and goldfish.
Over population will come

NOPE YOU GOT SNAKES TO CONTROL THAT SITUATION

 

[addy1]

NOPE YOU GOT SNAKES TO CONTROL THAT SITUATION

Not that many anymore. And so far they are small, the snakes.

Removed their hunting hiding spots, don't think they are doing as well.

 

[GBBUDD]

aH JUST ADMITT IT YOUR AFFRAID A KOI WILL MISTAKE ONE OF YOUR YORKIES FOR A KOI CRUNCHIE

 

[GBBUDD]

just saw this and guess who it reminded me of? now that's a herd!

x.com

x.com

dang it @Hound Heaven we got @addy1 where she hadn't added a pup in a year now theres no stopping her

 

[addy1]

aH JUST ADMITT IT YOUR AFFRAID A KOI WILL MISTAKE ONE OF YOUR YORKIES FOR A KOI CRUNCHIE

Yep, they get bigger than the kids! 3.4 lbs