Article Contributed on: 7/10/2009 6:35:46 PM
We love our small pond water feature in our backyard and often get the opportunity to see unusual activity associated with it.One warm day last year, as we were enjoying the sound of the water flowing, we saw a garter snake slither across the top of the water and grab one of our small Koi. My husband went rushing over to the edge of the pond just as the
snake flipped its tail over the edge of the rocks surrounding the pond and tried to flee with the fish's head still in its mouth. Fortunately, the snake was small and the fish was large enough that the snake could not get out of the pond completely with the fish. Luckily for us, the snake was not willing to drop the fish. Hanging there, one-third in the water,two-thirds out and upside down (the snake that is), my husband was able to pull the fish out of the snakes mouth and grab the snake. The Koi went back in the pond and the snake was relocated to a green area ditch far enough away from our house.
We fed the fish well last year and unless that snake is MUCH bigger this year (much larger than garter snake size), he won't have a chance with any of the KOI now. The fish is doing well and the scratches on its head have disappeared. By the way, did you know that if you are fearful of snakes, and one shows up in your yard, you can call State Wildlife Office and get the name of someone who will come and retrieve the snake without cost to you?