Unknown Duck Killer

[Kjsnear]

Earlier today one of our adult perkins was killed while on the water. We found it while it was be being dragged around by something under the water. It's neck and head was the only mangled part of the bird. The species capable of doing this in this pond include pike, large catfish, and snapping turtles.

 

[cmom]

Where are you located?

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Earlier today one of our adult perkins was killed while on the water. We found it while it was be being dragged around by something under the water. It's neck and head was the only mangled part of the bird. The species capable of doing this in this pond include pike, large catfish, and snapping turtles.

I would guess snapping turtle.
I've seen them snap and grab starlings and black birds from the edge of the pond and drag them under no problem.
And heard of them biting ducks the underside of ducks pretty bad.
It wouldn't surprise me if it got it's head and just couldn't pull the rest under.

 

[Kjsnear]

Where are you located?

Michigan

 

[cmom]

It could have been a snapper.

 

[Kjsnear]

It could have been a snapper.

How big would the turtle need to be to kill an adult duck?

 

[aart]

The species capable of doing this in this pond include pike, large catfish, and snapping turtles.

Well, there you go...one of those three.
But, yeah, snapper most likely will drag it under and drown it before eating it.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

How big would the turtle need to be to kill an adult duck?

Probably wouldn't have to be all that big really. They have pretty powerful jaws. . and ducks have air sacks in their chest. .so if it takes a bite from underneath. . and the duck can't breathe. . yikes.