How to Identify Garden Animals
- 1). Look at the soil in the garden for lumps, as this is typically a sign of moles. Moles burrow into the ground to make tunnels with their shovel-like front feet and will leave piles of dirt when they do. Moles are about the size of chipmunks and their most identifiable characteristic is probably their front feet, which resemble shovels. Chipmunks will burrow tunnels; however, they carefully conceal their entrances.
- 2). Look at the types of vegetation that are being targeted. Rabbits typically eat green plants, as well as lettuce, peas, beets and beans. Tulips and tree bark are also considered favorites. Rabbits have tall ears, large back feet and only weigh a few pounds. If your flower bulbs are being attacked, voles are likely the culprit. Voles are about 7 inches long, have short legs and tails and chisel-like front teeth. Groundhogs prefer to feast on alfalfa, carrots, clover and grass. Groundhogs are large rodents with bushy tails and stocky, chunky bodies.
- 3). Look at the size of the defecation. Small pelletlike droppings are likely from chipmunks, rabbits or squirrels. Chipmunks are small relatives of the squirrel with pointy heads with white stripes going down their heads and backs. Squirrels have bushy tails, weigh about a pound and are typically either gray, brown or red. Larger droppings could belong to cats, dogs or even deer.
- 4). Look at the size of the paw prints in the soil. Small inch-sized prints could belong to squirrels, chipmunks, moles or voles. Larger prints could be the work of cats, dogs or deer.
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