Deer
This carrot field shows significant deer damage. When you see damage in your fields, flag and do not harvest the damaged area. If the damage is caused by wildlife known to carry human pathogens, consider not harvesting an additional 5-foot distance around the damaged crop area. This is not an absolute number. If your judgement suggests that a greater distance is necessary based on the risk (e.g., crop type, harvest method), use the greater distance.
Source: Phillip Tocco, Extension Educator, Preharvest Food Safety, Michigan State University
Photo by Phillip Tocco
Deer tracks in a pepper field
Photo by Phillip Tocco, Michigan State University
Deer feeding damage on cantaloupe
Photo by Phillip Tocco, Michigan State University
Groundhogs
Groundhog damage to plants can be confirmed by the presence of burrows. Feeding areas are not far from a groundhog’s burrow, and well-defined paths from their burrow to feeding grounds are commonly present. Their sharp incisors will leave behind neat, clipped edges and tooth marks around the bases of damaged trees. Additionally, groundhogs will climb trees to access apples and other fruits.
Source: Marne Titchenell, Wildlife Program Specialist, OSU Extension
Photo by Marne Titchenell
Rabbits
Rabbits cause damage year-round. Although rabbits are not rodents, their dentition is similar with two pairs of sharp incisors neatly clipping vegetation. Rabbit damage is easily identifiable by the clean-cut, angular edge left behind by a rabbit’s sharp incisors. This damage appears as if the plant was cut off using a knife or pruners. This is very different from the jagged, torn edges deer leave behind.
Source: Marne Titchenell, Wildlife Program Specialist, OSU Extension
Photo by Marne Titchenell
Chipmunks
Photo by Marne Titchenell, The Ohio State University
Raccoons
These raccoon prints near surface water could represent water contamination. If the grower is using the surface water for overhead irrigation, wildlife prints near a water source are a red flag you need to assess the water for contamination. The highest risk of contamination is using the water source for overhead irrigation over a covered commodity. Moving to drip irrigation lowers the risk because it delivers the water directly to the roots.
Source: Chris Gunter, Vegetable Production Specialist and Professor, North Carolina State University
Photo by Chris Gunter
Rat damage on sweet corn
Photo by Marne Titchenell, The Ohio State University
Vegetable grower fields are not only a food source for people, but also wildlife. The first step in effective wildlife management in your farm fields starts with scouting and proper identification of what’s chomping at your crops.
Providing some helpful tips and flashcards on this crop protection front are:
- Marne Titchenell, Wildlife Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
- Chris Gunter, Vegetable Production Specialist and Professor, North Carolina State University
- Phillip Tocco, Extension Educator, Preharvest Food Safety, Michigan State University
In the photo gallery above, you will find a few signs of the common intruders that may end up contaminating your production area.