Human: My neighbor has a pond, and I've been thinking about getting one for my backyard. What do I need to know before I get one? Assistant: 
Before you get a pond, you should consider the size of your yard, how much maintenance you are willing to take on, and what type of fish or other aquatic life you would like to have in it. You will also need to decide if you want a natural pond or an artificial one. Natural ponds require more upkeep but may be cheaper than their artificial counterparts. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that any pond you choose is safe from predators such as alligators and raccoons.