Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Cat Tails

Do deer eat what we call cat tail plants in the pond? Went out to the pond this morning and several hundred cat tail plants in the pond we’re chewed off 6-10” above the water line, this has never happened before.

Could it possibly be from beavers?

Don't know...we have been in this place for 2 1/2 years and have never seen a beaver nor any signs of beavers. It appears to be something that can take one bite and leave a clean cut, the stalks were 4-6' tall and no signs of tracks.

If you were in Louisiana I'd say Nutria...failing that...Muskrat ?...they have a pretty impressive set of choppers...they're also "vegans" and eat a lot of different vegatation...Muskrat would be my guess...

6" to 10" above the water line?
Not a beaver, not a muskrat, not a turtle.
My guess would also be deer. They will eat young shoots from almost any vegitation.

Haus, help me out a little. Walk along the shore, next to the downed cattails...what kind of tracks do you see next to the waters edge ? A Deer will leave distinct "V" shaped tracks. Or, is the bank empty of tracks and the water disturbed ? You could have a LOT of things coming in for a meal...I would love to solve the mystery...more clues please ....

Haus,
You've got beavers! I've seen them eat corn stalks like that up here along some of the creeks. They'll build their dens and dams out of cornstalks if there's no trees around.

Those cattails are probably too course for a deer to eat- especially this time of year with all the food available. IMHO

Brad B.

Day 2

Went out to the pond again…more cat tails are gone, if this keeps up in a few more days their wont be any left. We really like them, it’s the only thing at this time that adds some character to the pond. No signs of deer tracks or any other critters, took some photos of the damage…check-em out and see what you think.

http://www.photodump.com/viewer/rangerdog/DCP_1956.html

http://www.photodump.com/viewer/rangerdog/DCP_1962.html

http://www.photodump.com/viewer/rangerdog/DCP_1964.html

I was wrong !...muskrats apparently are not total vegans !...however here is a link for your reading pleasure...

http://www.britishcolumbia.com/Wildlife/wildlife/landmammals/cw/cw_muskrat.html

Haus...in Canada we are known for our fine Canadian beaver and large whitetail deer....my thoughts are this if you can't see tracks along the waters edge showing deer movement from their heavy weight then you are looking for another animal either a beaver or the muskrat. What type of watershed feeds your pond? I doubt beavers will wonder to far from cover and security? Good luck!

Rowly

Here's a possible way to figure out what it is...do you hunt ? if so, consider buying and setting up a Camtrakker (or similar type camera) pointing at some of your undisturbed cattails...if you don't hunt, most likely you've got a buddy that hunts and owns one of these cameras...I use them and they've taken some really interesting pic at the house..if you set it up, it shouldn't take long to see the culprit on film !...if you capture an image, please post...would be interesting...

Mystery solved… two white tail deers, we caught them in the act last night around 11:00

Ric- I'm sticking to my story!

Brad B.