Fresh Water Mussels- What's eating them?

glsammy · #1 (**permalink**) 19-01-2006, 09:15 AM

Came across an unusual sight on one of our regular walks at Attenborough, 100's of fresh water mussel shells. These have been left all along the bank, and dragged out of the water. I was wondering what creature could have done this?

pheonix · #2 (**permalink**) 19-01-2006, 09:35 AM

otters will eat them, and although im trying to stand up for fishing on another thread unfotunatly fisherpeople will use them as bait, but from looking at the photos they dont seem to look like they were left where a person would leave then, ie in the middle of a reed bed.

glsammy · #3 (**permalink**) 19-01-2006, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pheonix

otters will eat them,.

Wow, otters at Attenborough, now theres a thought!

There are a lot of Rats there, would they be able to 1) get them, 2) Open them?

pheonix · #4 (**permalink**) 20-01-2006, 02:09 PM

i would never say never, but i very much doubt it. mink might have ago but i dont think they'd be powerful enough or have the dexterity to get them open. i would prbably come to the conclusion that it was the doings of a fisherperson, unfortunatly.

glsammy · #5 (**permalink**) 20-01-2006, 04:30 PM

Because of the positioning of them, they were in quite inacessable places, i.e. very low overhanging branches, waterlogged reed beds, under tree roots etc. Very unlikely fishing spots.

pheonix · #6 (**permalink**) 21-01-2006, 03:40 PM

mmmm....

im out of ideas then i cant really think of anythint else that could have harvested them and gotten into the shells? i was trying to think of birds that may have done but i cant think of any, anyone have any ideas?

Kayleigh · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 06:39 PM

Mink have stong jaws it is poss. Ive seen mink pull large fish out of the water.
You could ask around if anyone has seen any otters. That would be fantatsic if it is otters.

It might be water voles if they can get through the shell. Fish eat crustations so they get them open some how

digi · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

Came across an unusual sight on one of our regular walks at Attenborough, 100's of fresh water mussel shells. These have been left all along the bank, and dragged out of the water. I was wondering what creature could have done this?

I've enclosed a few shots.

I will probably go tomorrow and will take a closer look, I wild also ask the wardens at Attenborough in case they know.

glsammy · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digi

I will probably go tomorrow and will take a closer look, I wild also ask the wardens at Attenborough in case they know.

Why didn't I think of that? I speak to them twice a week..I sometimes wonder where I left my brain...(CAREFUL DIGI...I CAN SEE IT COMING...) I'll be there Tuesday, weather permitting.

PhilBriggs · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 11:45 PM

Glammy
Are they swan mussels or native fresh water pearl mussels?
If there of the latter variety then there is a good chance that the pile is from the illegal activity of freash water pearl harvetsing. If this is the case you should contact your local police WCO for a follow up enquiry. Swan mussels do not have the same protection as the rare fresh water pearl mussel.

Phil WCO