The
mammals can be divided into two main groups the carnivore and the herbivore
these must be considered the highest consumers of the aquatic environment.
The only creature who scope expands beyond there's is man himself. Most
mammals are shy retiring creatures and the only signs of there presence
can be tracks or spore. Many have received a bad reputation which does
not do them justice, some obviously effect a pond more than others but
most will spend there daily lives without ever being noticed. Below
are a few examples of mammals that can visit a pond or become resident.
The
Otter is the most playful of all the pond creatures primarily a carnivore
it feeds on both fish, invertebrates. Otters can travel good distances
searching for food as much as 10 kilometer ( 6 miles) a night. They
can easily be mistaken for Mink but they are normally twice there size
and can weigh above 20lbs. The normal practice is for them to catch
there prey in the water and then eat it on land, hunting is normally
undertaken at night. Normally they produce only one litter a year which
are reared in what is termed a holt, this may be a hollow among the
roots of a tree or some other protected area. The cubs are normally
born in the Spring or Summer, once weaned the bitch will teach the cubs
how to fish and they can be seen playing on the waters edge at this
time
The
Racoon although not a great fisherman will take the occasional fish
if the opportunity presents itself, there primary aquatic food though
is crayfish. They can be observed paddling in the shallows feeling the
bottom for any invertebrates they may come across. Normally a nocturnal
creature they will hunt in daylight when they need to. They tend to
only hibernate in the far North of there range and are not adverse to
utilizing human dwellings when the chance presents itself.
The
Coypu or Nutria is a native of temperate South America, but due to the
fur trade has been introduced to both North America and Europe. Very
similar to a large rat although the body size which can reach 46 cms
(18 inches) quickly dispels such thoughts. It is a vegetarian by habit
eating primarily root stocks from both the waters edge and surrounding
lands. Although not a great tunneller it has been known to cause damage
to dams and dykes across its range.
Antelope
and deer are frequent visitors to the pond-side, not only to drink but
they also like to graze upon marginal plants cattails being one of there
favorite's, as the root of this plant is an excellent food source. Normally
very unobtrusive to the pond and often a welcome visitor to the naturalist.