Missing fish

Question
Hi Dave,
I recently purchased a house with a fish pond and 12 koi, 2 of them larger ones... about 6". I have noticed recently the 2 are gone. I have seen here that cats and fowl could have taken them. My pond is covered by a maple tree so I doubt that fowl would have seen them plus I have alot of lily pads. I also have a frog that comes and goes. If it is cat why would I have not found any remains and could a cat actually get into the water? What is the best deterrent other than putting a fence up?


Answer
Hi Paul:  Raccoons, opossums, heron, neighborhood cats are all excellent fisherman.  If you have a missing koi that is about six inches long then I would suspect a heron.  If the pond water is right up to the rim of the pond then I would check the foliage around the pond for the fish because koi are Olympic quality jumpers too... If you need additional help let me know... dave