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What's snatching large geese from the river's surface?
The River Lea in East London has become the scene of mysterious waterfowl deaths. Something is certainly stalking the river, but what is it?There have been numerous sightings of waterfowl - both large and small - being sucked down into the river suddenly, without a ripple of warning. The animals never return to the surface. It's one thing to assume a duck or two has been snatched. But there are also several reports of swans and Canada geese being taken.
And believe me, if you have never seen a Canada goose up close, it's difficult to believe what would be strong enough to pull one underwater and eat it. Canada geese will MESS YOU UP, believe me! A Canada goose is large, and a blow from its wing is like being hit by a baseball bat. They are sizeable, aggressive animals. Anything that would dare try and tackle a Canada goose is going to be a fearsome predator indeed.
The river in question fronts London's multi-million-dollar Olympic Park, a common recreational area. Many people have spotted these kills happening, including strolling park-goers as well as people who live aboard boats in the area. The reports are as credible as they are numerous.
The same thing happened about six years ago. At the time, many people speculated that a crocodile was responsible for the deaths. London may seem a bit chilly for a crocodile, but the animals can exist in a torpid state in temperatures as low as 40 degrees. (And though London itself may frequently fall below freezing in winter, the weather is a little bit more accommodating under water.)
Whatever has taken the geese is pulling them straight down into the water. Although many people have speculated it could be the work of a giant python or anaconda (a former pet, either escaped or released) both of these animals would probably appear on the surface in a struggle with a 16-pound goose.
The big problem with the crocodile theory is that no one has yet spotted a crocodile on the banks of the River Lea. Crocodiles spend a considerable amount of time sunning themselves on the banks, and will even haul themselves out and go for an overland jaunt in the evenings. Presumably this would be noticed, even in such a bustling and distracted city as London.
My personal theory is that this is the work of a snapping turtle, presumably a former pet let loose when it became too big and aggressive to handle. But only time will tell… or will it?
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