My pond is closed down for the winter and I haven't given it much thought. Christmas day I was in my front yard shoveling wood chips over the entire front yard because the leaf removal people thoughtfully also removed 3" of chips. It was rather dark and I heard an odd hoot/yelp/wail which I could not identify. I listened and tried to place the location. I thought it might be an owl except the bird had to have been flying quickly through trees in a zig zag pattern. I was then aware of a pair of eyes staring at me. Maybe a coyote...the creature passed under the street light. There was no mistaking that big fluffy tail with the white tip. I have a red fox drinking at my pond. This is quite remarkable considering I am in the city. It might also explain why I no longer have rabbits or skunks. This should teach us that you can't underestimate the value of a pond.