Water Lily Stems Clean-Cut: Animal or Human?

Observation

Lily stems severed daily (~20), clean cuts like scissors. Only goldfish in pond.

Possibilities

1. Turtles: Sharp beaks make clean cuts. Even small ones.
2. Muskrats/beavers: If accessible.
3. Birds: Herons, egrets spear and pull.
4. Fish: Large koi/goldfish can bite stems, but usually ragged.
5. Human: Vandalism (unlikely but possible).

Investigation

• Trail camera at night.
• Check for tracks, scat, slides.
• Examine cut ends: tooth marks vs. shear.

Protection

Plant lilies in deeper water (>24″), use protective cages, or add floating plant protectors.