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Ungulates And Other Animal Damage

Deer - Elk
Feral Hogs
Rabbits & Hares
Moles
Oppossums
Bats
Snakes

Deer - Elk

Deer, elk (and moose) damage trees by browsing seedlings, suckers, saplings, and foliage, and by rubbing antlers on saplings and larger trees. Browsed trees produce more stems and are stunted in appearance due to repeated terminal and lateral shoot removal. Bark is worn by antler rubbing in late summer and autumn and can appear shredded, hanging in strips from the tree. Moose have been known to pull down trees of 9 ft or higher and snap the top off while browsing. Elk and deer are herding animals, and may trample trees. Deer and elk are also responsible for depredation on row crops, forage crops, vegetables, fruit trees, and stacked hay. Deer-vehicle collisions result in numerous human fatalities each year. These collisions also result in millions of dollars in economic losses annually.

Feral Hogs

Feral hogs are descendants of domestic pigs. They are omnivorous and will eat anything from grain to small animals and carrion. In certain areas, cultivated crops can make up a large portion of the diet, however, these animals will prey on young wildlife and livestock such as goat kids and deer fawns. They also ruin springs and ponds with their mud wallows. There are documented cases of hogs attacking people in Texas where there are an estimated 3 to 4 million of them (the most of any state) Feral hogs pose a threat to human health from the 13 diseases they can carry.

Rabbits & Hares

Hares and rabbits are herbivores, feeding mostly on broad-leaved plants and grasses. During the winter, rabbits will browse on buds, bark and small twigs. Landscape, orchard and plantation trees may suffer damage because the rabbits girdle young stems or completely prune buds and shoots. Gnawing and girdling can contribute to plant mortality.

Moles

Moles occasionally eat plant seeds, roots and bulbs but most damage is caused by their burrowing for insects. The burrowing disfigures lawns and gardens and parks and destroys flower beds when plants are uprooted.

Oppossums

Opossums are primarily nuisances near homes, getting into garbage, bird feeders or pet food. They may destroy poultry or game birds and their nests.

Bats

Bats are primarily a nuisance species because of their roosting behavior. photo of bats in sky They will roost in buildings and structures such as livestock quarters, warehouses, homes, loading docks carports, and highway underpasses. Bats can be very noisy. In addition, bats urinate and defecate in flight, spotting and staining buildings. Bat guano is especially pungent.

Snakes

Snakes rarely cause actual damage, but they are often considered a nuisance when found in or around buildings. Some species may prey on young chickens, but this is not common. Most complaints about snakes result when they are in close proximity to humans, because people are frightened by them. Most species are not poisonous, however a bite from a poisonous snake (e.g. copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths) can cause tissue damage and occasionally death.