Did this Grass Snake eat my goldfish???

[WrenSpotter]

Can anyone tell me if this grass snake is likely to have eaten about 30 goldfish (some were approx 6" long, others smaller) in about 3 weeks? The fish had been happily enjoying the warmer weather and had had babies and all of a sudden they've all disappeared.
I'd rather have the fish than the snake, but of course wouldn't disturb it now it's here.

[marvin]

hi

grass snakes will take fish but 30 goldfish in three weeks for what looks like quite a small snake seems like an awful lot. you may have to look elsewhere for the answer.

tim

[Naturenutz]

I think its a rarity for them to take fish, i would be very suprised if it is responsible for your fish loss. Do you have protection from herons ?

[lewiso]

id say a heron was the culprit as these could easily take 30 fish in a couple of weeks, a grass snake couldnt it digests food to slowly,
are there any mink in the area?

[WrenSpotter]

Thanks for your replies. Could be a heron I suppose, although I've only seen one once and I'm around the garden a lot. I'm not sure if there are Mink around, I've never seen one. It's a shame to net the pond but probably the only answer if you want to keep fish.

[Tursiops2]

Could be an early-morning kingfisher that's responsible. Are there any in your area?
T2

[WrenSpotter]

I don't think there are kingfishers around here - I live near to a RSPB reserve and I can't recall kingfishers being on their 'recently spotted' list.

[wellies101]

Heron seems likely to me too. Grass Snakes will take fish, but it is one of the harder meals for them to catch. The snake may have taken a few, but an average of 10/week is too many for one grassy I'd say.

[WrenSpotter]

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for a heron then, but it probably won't come back now it's cleared the pond out.