What’s eating my young cornstalks?

Question:

damaged cornWhat is getting into our garden and eating these young cornstalks?

Answer:

Marjorie Peronto, Extension Educator

It looks like damage from a critter, perhaps a woodchuck, who sits on its haunches and eats the stalks, making a mess and leaving evidence.  If you do not have fencing around your garden, I suggest you consider installing some.  This fact sheet (PDF) from the University of New Hampshire has recommendations for different types of fencing that keep woodchucks out.