THE TIMES (London, UK) 31 August 07 The snake in the grass who is using goldfish pond as his local takeaway (Yepoka Yeebo)

Impressive Photo at URL below.

Ashford: A couple in Kent are begging authorities to help rid them of a pet-eating predator.

A 3ft grass snake nicknamed Sid has been diving into their 15ft by 6ft pond and steadily picking off its 200-strong population of goldfish.

“We just don’t know what to do,” said Valerie Bell, 60. “Sid is always there and I don’t really like going out into the garden.

“Maybe the RSPCA could help or some other animal welfare group. We don’t want him here any more. It’s beyond a joke.”

Ms Bell recently saw the snake trying to swallow a large goldfish whole, and forced the reptile into retreat with a beanpole.

“It’s pretty common, especially at this time of year,” said Helen Briggs, from the RSPCA. “Grass snakes frequently eat fish, frogs and newts as well. Garden ponds offer a wealth of meals, and the snakes are quite happy to swim, so it’s easy for them to pinch food from people’s ponds.”

Ms Briggs said the RSPCA would not be able to do more than provide advice.

Grass snakes are not venomous. They do most of their hunting under water and swallow their prey alive.

As a species they are in decline in Britain.
The snake in the grass who is using goldfish pond as his local takeaway

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