For those who cover their ponds with netting or wire--float a large beach ball in it and racoons have a hard time keeping their balance or reaching fish and plants. Fish farm I get my fish food from keeps one in every pond and theirs are all covered with soft netting. They use above ground pools and drill screws around them to hook netting too. Seems to work well.
I am in the country but have never had trouble with racoons yet but if I do they are going permanently. I love my fish and intend to keep them safe. Had a great blue heron looking down into the old pond once and when I went out with my 22 he flew out back to our canal and havne't seen him up around ponds since. New larger pond is 2 feet deep and straight sided. I didn't dig any plant shelves into it but would like to have but after hearing everyone state that predators enjoyed them as steps I don't have them. All plants are out in the middle of the pond. Old pond has shelf along one side and potted plants are there. So far no problems in 5 years.
I am so sorry so many of you loose your plants and fish.
Bonnie
