If you think you’re immune to the problem, think again. Chances are you’ve only been lucky so far. During the winter when plants no longer avail to our fish a safe haven to hide in our babies become victims to a slew of hungry predators. It’s a natural occurrence and, therefore, is a very difficult one to guard against.

The Blue Heron is one of the most gifted "fishermen" in our region. The same thing that attracts us to our fish attracts the Heron — their beautiful bold colors! The trees that in warmer months hide our ponds with lush green leaves are bare in winter, offering the Heron a "bird’s eye view" of what he would consider a great holiday feast. Other predators include such cute, furry animals as the raccoon and the domestic cat. You may never see a raccoon during the day. They are generally night hunters and well adapted to fishing in the wild. The domestic cat normally isn’t as much of a threat though still worth a warning. They aren’t as quick as a healthy fish — the operative word is "healthy". A sick fish swims slowly and near the surface. This gives the cat an advantage. Fish swim slower during the colder months giving any predator a better chance. These are only a few of the predators that prey on pond fish. They are the most common and, by studying their behavior, we can better protect our fish from all.

The Heron is a pretty tall fellow. If you see him, you can’t miss him. He’s a crane with long legs built for wading in shallow water and has a long beak perfect for spearing fish. He’s territorial and usually returns to a pond until he’s eaten all there is to eat.

The Raccoon is a creature of the night that is not afraid of water — even cold water. He’s quiet and quick. He’s probably the culprit if, in the morning, you notice a plant turned over and/or a fish "missing" without a trace.

Cats really could care less if you see them or not and go fishing anytime it suits them. In fact, one of our customers was telling me that he watched a cat lay down by the pond and put his whole arm in the water. The cat waited patiently until an unsuspecting fish happened by. The cat flipped the fish out and onto the ground.

There are no sure-fire ways of preventing loss from a predator. We have, however, compiled a list of preventative measures to give your pond the best head start on the problem.

#1. Dig your pond to where at least 1/3 of the pond floor is 3 feet in depth. A heron can’t walk in 3 feet of water.

#2. Don’t put plant shelves in the pond where your fish are living. A raccoon will sit on a plant shelf and catch fish.

#3. Put a statue of a heron by the pond. Herons are territorial and will not come around if they think the fishing hole has been taken. A side note to this: Move the statue periodically. Herons are smart and, upon not seeing the other move, will fly down to investigate.

#4. Float an alligator in the water. Most predators won’t go near an alligator.

#5. Put a net over your pond. Not only will it keep out falling leaves, it will help keep out a predator.

#6. If you’ve had a recent visit from a crane expect another soon and prepare for it!

#7. Install a motion sensitive light to shine on your pond. This should scare off the bashful raccoon.

#8. We carry a scary-looking water sprinkler that activates by motion. We’ve heard mixed reviews about it (such as it can drench the pond owner) but it does seem to do the job.

#9. Build your fish a hiding place such as the half trashcan idea from the article, Winter Comfort for Your Fish, on page 3 of this issue.

From what I understand, it’s illegal to kill a heron and, being the animal lover I am, I would never suggest it. It is not illegal to scare him. Now — I’d love to see (and I bet America’s Funniest Home Videos would love to show) people trying to scare a big bird like the Blue Heron. From the stories I’ve heard, it’s been the other way around.