Build it and they will come! Some of these will be a delight to the eye of Phoenix homeowners; others may not be so welcome. An organic, healthy water source is a boon for local wildlife, as well as migratory birds. But we all know that everything in life is a package deal.

Predators

The possibility of pond predators seeking out your pond is a valid concern for Phoenix homeowners in terms of the safety of your pond’s inhabitants, but the possibility shouldn’t be a reason to avoid having a pond. And a little common sense goes a long way.

Raccoons. First of all, raccoons generally won’t swim. That’s not to say they couldn’t stand on the side of your pond and take a swipe at your fish. Fortunately, most fish will swim to a deeper, more protected part of the pond when a predator is threatening them. 

Herons & Egrets. The one predator with legitimate credentials is the Blue Heron. These birds can easily wade into your pond, help themselves to any fish of their choice, and fly away with their bellies full. They are a protected species, so don’t get any crazy ideas. 

Coyotes & Javalena. A couple of 4-legged creatures you might see around your pond are Coyotes and Javalena. These critters are only there to get a drink. They are not generally interested in you or your fish. Coyotes have been known to bathe, or even just lie down and hang out, in a stream.

Rodents. If you live in an area where rodents are prevalent, you will probably attract some to your pond. They can be real pests, as they tend to dig and chew. Though possible, it’s rare that a rodent will be able to damage a good pond liner, but if left unchecked, they can undermine a rock waterfall. With rodents come the predators of rodents.

Reptiles. Reptiles are generally a retiring bunch, and don’t want anything more to do with humans than humans want to do with them. Some will slither through the pond or hang out in a stream to assist in their skim shedding process.

Protection

Giving your fish a place to hide, such as built-in caves, dramatically increases their odds of survival. A motion-sensing sprinkler can be set up alongside your pond ready to fire a steady stream of water at a predator has had some degree of success in warding off these curious critters. Just remember to turn if off before you get an unexpected shower by stepping near the pond.

Friendlies

Now that we’ve scared the wits out of you, let’s talk about some terrific beneficial creatures that will be attracted to your organic water feature. 

Bees. We’ll start by talking about bees. Yes, bees are friendlies! They are after the water. These girls are very busy collecting it to take back to the hive. Bees are a “collective,” meaning that they each (as drones) are programmed to do a specific job for the “collective,” and no more. The only way they sting is in confusion or self-defense.

Birds. Birds are probably the prominent creatures that you will notice around your pond. Want to see Orioles, Cardinals, Warblers, Cactus Wren, etc., right outside your living room window? A pond gives them a healthy, organic water source, whether they’re there to stay, or just making a pit stop along the way to their destination.

Other cool critters. Frogs, toads, dragonflies, and damselflies are other awesome critters that are attracted to ponds. Not only are they great fun to observe, but they provide the best possible integrated pest management you can imagine!

Other cute critters you might spy around your pond would be families of quail, bunnies, and lizards.  Whether they’re pets or friendlies is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder.

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Arizona (AZ) & Surrounding Areas

To Learn More About Phoenix Ponds & Urban Wildlife Habitats: https://pondgnome.com/wildlife-habitats-phoenix-az/