Unwelcome Garden Guests Leave Footprints

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Oh. Deer. A few weeks ago I noticed that some shrubs I planted just last fall were suddenly missing their buds - they'd been chomped off! Since these shrubs are well above bunny-biting height, I suspected some 'Bambi' and her babies had stopped by my garden for a meal. A week later, I had proof - footprints in the snow, or I should say hoofprints.

Light snowfalls are not only pretty to look at in a garden, they can also help you predict trouble. The morning after an inch of snow, I could clearly see bunny tracks, bird trails, fox trots, and precisely where the deer had been dancing - hoof prints past the new shrubs they'd nuzzled, and also in places where the deer had found nothing to eat…this time. Deer had clearly circled our patio, stalking the hydrangeas, holly, azaleas, and a perennial bed they'll be back to browse if I let them.

So after a light snow, go look for tracks to see who's casing the joint - to help you know what to fence off, cage, or spray, in order to keep deer, bunnies and other critters away!