mink and koi carp

[skiffyed]

I have problem with a mink.
i have three Koi carp left of seven the mink has been around in the village for at least two months cleaning out neighbouring ponds, i dont want to kill it. but it has left me alone for three weeks now, the reason is i think is i let my friends dogs run in the garden and do there thing. can someone tell me if they have tried this and if it has had the same result.

[The Woodman]

I would trap it and if you don't want to kill it get someone else to do the deed, otherwise there will be more fish, water voles, birds etc. disappearing.

They are not native animals and do not belong here.

Mink are bold and brazen, I doubt if the presence of dog faeces and urine would discourage visits to your garden and pond.

[skiffyed]

Thanks woodman i have no fear of killing the mink as i am a reformed shooter
but i cant explain why this thing has left me alone and not the other ponds without dogs

[The Woodman]

It may have taken all it needs from your pond - leaving bigger fish?
I've seen agood number of mink over the years and never seen them catch large fish, only small ones from sticklebacks to approx. 6" skimmer bream and roach etc. Of course they will eat bigger stuff that's already dead. You may have a point and the dog stuff is discouraging them.

By the way, what's a "reformed shooter"?

[Dogghound]

I think a dogs presence would put off a mink, predators are highly territorial and often carnt afford to get injured in a fight. This is often seen in the wild where the larger otter pushes the mink out of its territory in a similar way.

[skiffyed]

Woodman as a reformed shooter it means i have seen the errors of my ways and dont kill wildlife after years of shooting i try and look after it to the best of my ability. By the way these fish were 2/4lbs in wieght the others that are left are smaller

[Brian Phipps]

Hi Skiffyed,
A mink trap would be a good idea then let it go somewhere else!

Do you live in the West Country by any chance?

Cheers
Brian

[skiffyed]

Yes i live near Padstow in cornwall born in wells

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by skiffyed

Yes i live near Padstow in cornwall born in wells

Whatever you do DON'T let it go somewhere else you risk furthering the extinction of water voles or white clawed crayfish.

I second the advice to have it humanely put down.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

Whatever you do DON'T let it go somewhere else you risk furthering the extinction of water voles or white clawed crayfish.

I second the advice to have it humanely put down.

I think its illegal to release it anyway..