Ok I just made the 1st trip around the pond to pick up trash and look at the fish. I noticed what looked like fresh dirt on top of the normal colored bottom of the pond in several places. So I got more curious and got closer to the edge when the pond bank gave out. it gave out because there was a tunnel back into the bank. I have found at least 6 dens so far. The kick in the pants is that I have never seen one rat on this pond and I live on it!!

I know how to trap them and I have a very quiet .22LR Ruger

but are there any other ways to get rid of them?
Thanks!
seantOH