Even with horses, someone would have to do a lot of physical labour.... I'd go for one of those Bobcat (or whatever they're called locally...) things - they're small and not too heavy. One of those would probably be able to get in there without too much damage, as long as there's a reasonable track/trail that would take one there. You'd better give some thought to what you're going to do with/where you'll put the rocks etc. You don't want to just cause a bigger problem downstream somewhere on your own or someone elses' property.

Hi Anna, I understand about the electric fence. You don't want to discourage all the wildlife that comes to your pond. How about encouraging all your neighbors to get ponds too, so that the otters can take turns at the various ponds!? Your pond sounds great. Do you have any pictures you could share? I have no idea how aggressive or shy otters are. Have you ever seen those motion-detector scarecrows that shoot water out when they sense motion? They probaby would scare away other creatures too though. Well, maybe this "attack" was a one-time occurence. That would be nice. Would the otters come from just one direction? Is there a way of putting up some sort of trip-wire that would activate an alarm in your house, so you could at least try to scare them off, if they showed up again? Are they mostly active in the day or night? Surely there are other people around with ponds who have the same problem, who might be able to give you suggestions? At least its not alligators!

Hey Stan, I would LOVE a couple of the potted miniature roses - I can bring you a hydrangea (reg) that i rooted - and/or some daylilies. Are you particular about color on the daylilies? (i know - none of the ditch lilies!) While I have several different colors/varieties - most of them are not marked (my project for this year, on ALL my plants) - so until they bloom i won't know what is what. I know i can easily get you a fan or two of the pink/yellow ones - and probly the jungle princess... Here is a link that might be useful: My plants

It's not trivial at all when death can be involved and in individuals with a weakened immune system it certainly can be. Education is always a good thing. Knowing these things is beneficial. I had no idea I could get cholera from eating crabs back then , did any of you know that? I didn't know about some of the other ones mentioned here, I can now spend time researching it and be better informed which is always good. Many people have to take medicine that suppresses the immune system, I do, and I try to keep informed about things that could be an issue. In fact just recently on vacation on the menu's at the seafood restaurant was a large printed warning right on the main page warning that eating some seafood especially raw oysters could be a risk and especially for those with compromised immune systems. Personally my rheumatologist flat out told me not to eat raw oysters and if I ate them cooked ask for well done, and the same for other things like mussels and clams and crabs. I love raw oysters but I wouldn't touch one these days. Information and education are always welcome. I appreciate this post, I am all for expanding my knowledge base.