Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Wildlife Management Something is eating mussels

I'm finding mussel shells all over the banks of my pond this year.

Have had some mussels eaten in past but whatever is doing it now is systematically going around the pond and eating hundreds of mussels. Not sure if the mussel population has increased but the pond has had a much more consistent bloom going year round over the last year or so. Also the Bryozoans are growing like crazy this year with almost any object in the water growing them.

Haven't been able to catch it on a game cam but I'm thinking raccoons as all the shells are left on the bank and I'm not seeing any otter scat.

In my area, it is usually raccoons. (But I am right at the very edge of the otter distribution.)

Mine usually leave foot prints in the mud where they caught or washed their meal.

Much easier to get on the game cam if they have a favorite spot. If they go all around the pond then you will just have to get lucky eventually you should get them on camera!

I expect the little thieves will be wearing black masks to hide their identities.

Racoons at my ponds also (eating the mussels).

Mussels and bryozoans are signs of good water, so be happy?

Yes - that is my view. Not sure if it took awhile to absorb the lime or if it took awhile to get different algae strains prospering but over last year have a consistent bloom year round. Maybe 3-4 ft visibility in the winter and steady 18" - 2' now.

'coons or muskrats are working on the mussels.

Would muskrats leave them on the bank?

Yes, they don't float in the water eating them like sea otters do while eating shellfish.

Must be raccoons as I'm not seeing any activity in the water at dusk.

Found a dead baby raccoon today - about 1lb, in vicinity of some of the shells at the ponds edge.

Kinda odd.