Otters blamed for pond raids (From Western Telegraph)

Otters blamed for pond raids

A new line of defence against garden pond predators is springing up in Pembrokeshire with increased reports of disappearing fish.

Low-level electric fencing is now being used by pond owners in a bid to prevent wildlife pilfering their goldfish and Koi carp.

The fishy finger of suspicion is being pointed in some quarters at the otter, but other species could also be the culprits - including badgers, domestic cats, herons and cormorants.

But certainly domestic fish-stealing is on the increase, says Mike Foley, of Greenacres Water Gardens, near Manorbier Station.

Ive been selling fish in Pembrokeshire for over 30 years, and certainly in the last two years, there have been far too many reports of people losing their stocks, he said this week. The otter is being blamed by many people in all parts of the county who have had fish up to two feet long taken.

Several have actually seen an otter at work, including one man who saw one scuttling across netting over a pond and scoop a fish out through a hole.

Weve seen one at Manorbier Newton, about half-a-mile from us, and at Manorbier Station, and there have been three spotted at a pond in Lamphey. So they are certainly about more than they used to be.

Springing to the defence of the otter is the National Trusts South Pembrokeshire warden, Ian Bennett, who feels the species is being made a scapegoat.

There is no evidence to suggest that otters are on the increase and we positively encourage them at Bosherston Lily Ponds, he said this week. Just as foxes get a bad press, it looks as though otters are having blame levelled at them when other birds and animals are up to the same game. He reminded the public that the otter is a protected species, and urged prevention against pond predators as a humane method of curbing further raids by wildlife, whatever their kind.

He and Mike Foley both agree that low-level electric fencing is the most effective way to protect garden ponds.

Added Mike: Ive been sending my customers to their local agricultural co-op, but I hope to have some in stock soon, as it is very important that whatever the predator, they are deterred and in no way harmed.

The increase in people losing fish actually has a negative effect on a business like mine, because some customers are so disheartened that they give up keeping fish altogether.