Animals eating water pond plants

by Bob Soltys
(Alexandria, VA)

I am totally distraught. For the 2nd year in a row now (after 4-5 years with no problems) some animal (no idea what kind) is getting into our water pond. We live in Alexandria VA in a fairly dense area, and have a high fenced in yard because we have a pool. The WP is adjacent to the pool. It is a simple round pond that looks like a giant plant pot -- approx 3-4 feet in diameter. The plants are tall reeds -- which come back every year & when they reach maturity they sprout cattails. Plus, lilies that come back every year. This year I put in a surface Water Hyacinth (one small section since it grows quickly). I did not do the WH last year. The "attack" occurred last night. It appears that what ever it is actually went in the pond and was seeking the roots of the reeds. It also ate the WH. The lilies were not touched. The reed base (a pot) was floating sideways at the surface & the reeds were horizontal.

What can I do to stop this?

Thanks.

Doug says he's betting on raccoons. They can climb, eat tender succulent roots and have enough dexterity to move and choose which plants to eat. As for how to control raccoons, see this page