Thanks for the info. I thought the turtles would pose a bigger threat to the ducks than snakes, but I wasn't sure. Our ducks have not been back into the pond since the episode last week. We've set big tubs out on the pond bank for them to groom and play in. My husband is going to do some turtle hunting so our babies can get back into the pond. Sadly, we lost our beautiful Daffey, a black cayuga, to one of the neighbor's dogs last Tuesday morning. We called the neighbor and they have been chaining their dogs up, but the ducks were so scared that they have been hiding in the tall grass in the mornings. They are doing better and haven't seemed to be as scared the last couple of days. Thanks again for the input! Renee

"Marty" our lone bluegill (named after our exchange student who caught him with a lure) has been busy "nesting" for several weeks and lately every time I get in the pond, he attacks me. The other day he hit one of my shoes (which thankfully I was wearing) so hard, the surprise about knocked me over. I've been telling my dd that he's not going to bite her toes if she hangs her feet off the edge of the deck, but after kalevi's pumpkin seed experience I'm not so sure. I do know that even my large koi get out of the bluegill's way whenever he swims by! Sherry

While golfing in Florida, a good friend of mine and her boyfriend witnessed an alligator attack on a heron. They could not believe their eyes and were totally freaked out. She said the gator lept out of the water and had the large bird in his mouth before they knew what was happening. They didn't even finish their round - just hopped in the cart and sped off! As much as I dislike herons around my pond, I wouldn't wish that on anything.

It's good you found him, JotaRo. I'm sure you've given him a much better home than anyone could who'd be ignorant enough to put PAINT on a turtle. Seems like he's safer from animals AND people in your care. I had a great aunt who had a box turtle for at least several years, and she fed the poor thing literally nothing but lettuce. It had horrible joint deformities (like rickets)? because of the lack of necessary vitamins and nutrients. I remember the terrestrial turtle from when I was a little boy, feeding it when we visited, and Aunt Stella telling me and my little brother that it just needs lettuce, only lettuce. I put two-and-two together years later. Well.... Sometimes people are silly. Just some nostalgia I rememered from seeing this thread again. Cheers! Don B.