How to Protect Fish Ponds

Protect your fish from raccoons and other predators.

Backyard ponds bring nature right to your yard with attractive plants and fish. If you are lucky enough to live in areas where herons, egrets and raccoons live, a backyard fish pond will almost surely bring these creatures to your yard as well. A backyard fish pond provides easy meals for wild animals, and they will return nightly to feast. If this is not quite the type of nature you wanted to experience in your yard, there are ways to protect the fish without harming the wildlife.

Things You'll Need

• Arbor
• Fish hiding spots
• Motion-activated water sprayer
• Heron or egret statue
• Electric fencing

Instructions

1. Build an arbor or gazebo over the pond. This shields the fish from the view of birds flying overhead.

2. Create hiding spots for the fish by providing rock outcroppings, logs, submerged clay pots and plants. This gives the fish safe retreats when predators visit.

3. Install a motion-activated water sprayer. These devices spray a strong stream of water around or across the pond when motion is detected. They work for both birds and land predators.

4. Set up a decorative heron or egret statue. Herons and egrets like to fish alone. If they see a "heron" has already claimed a pond, they will find another fishing spot--leaving your pond alone.

5. Install an electric fence around the pond. There are several products on the market that blend in with the surroundings and produce only a mild shock to scare away predators. This is especially useful for raccoons.

Tips & Warnings

• A dog that is free to roam the yard at night will also deter herons, egrets and raccoons.

References

• "Ponds USA and Water Gardens, 2001-2002 Annual"; Regional Report California; Audry Pavia; 2001
• Ponds to Go: Laguna Blue Heron
• Pond and Vineyard Protection Kits for Raccoon Control