Identifying Animal Damage: Rabbit, Groundhog, or Deer?
what is damaging my property?
At Nature and Wildlife Solutions, we understand how frustrating it can be to discover damage to your plants, trees, or property. Identifying the culprit is the first step in protecting your landscape and ensuring it thrives. Below, we’ve put together a clear comparison of the three most common offenders in the Midwest—rabbits, groundhogs, and deer—so you can take action quickly and effectively.
Rabbit Damage
What they damage: Tender shoots, bark of young trees/shrubs (especially during harsh Missouri and Midwest winters), and vegetable gardens like lettuce, carrots, and beans.
How to identify rabbit damage:
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Clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves from sharp incisors
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Bark girdling near the base of young trees
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Small, round droppings around the damage site
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Damage usually occurs close to the ground (under 2 feet)
When it happens: Year-round, with the worst damage often in late winter when food sources are scarce.
Severity: Moderate – rabbits can kill young trees by girdling them at the base.
Groundhog (Woodchuck) Damage
What they damage: Broadleaf plants, vegetable gardens (peas, beans, broccoli), and occasionally flowers.
How to identify groundhog damage:
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Large, irregular bites missing from plants
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Extensive burrows near gardens, decks, and sheds
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Entrance holes 10–12 inches wide with dirt mounds
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Flattened vegetation trails from repeated travel
When it happens: Active from spring through fall; groundhogs hibernate in the winter.
Severity: Moderate to High – burrowing can cause serious issues under decks, sheds, and other structures.
Deer Damage
What they damage: Trees (buds and twigs), shrubs, flowers, garden crops, and vegetable gardens.
How to identify deer damage:
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Ragged, torn foliage or stems (deer lack upper incisors, leaving a rough edge)
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Browsing damage up to 6 feet high
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Rub marks and stripped bark from antlers on young trees
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Large pellets and hoof prints in the soil
When it happens: Year-round, with peaks in spring and fall.
Severity: High – repeated browsing can stunt growth or kill plants completely.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Rabbit | Groundhog | Deer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage Height | Low (under 2 ft) | Low–Mid (1–2 ft) | High (up to 6 ft) |
| Bite Type | Clean, angled cuts | Rough, irregular bites | Ragged tears |
| Key Signs | Bark girdling, pellets | Burrows, wide holes, flattened trails | Hoof prints, antler rubs, ragged foliage |
| Plant Preference | Veggies, young trees, flowers | Veggies, broadleaf plants | Trees, shrubs, flowers, garden crops |
| Seasonality | Year-round | Spring–Fall | Year-round (peaks spring/fall) |
| Severity | Moderate | Moderate–High | High |
How Nature and Wildlife Solutions Can Help
Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can act fast to protect your landscape. At Nature and Wildlife Solutions, we specialize in humane and effective solutions for rabbits, groundhogs, and deer. Whether you’re in Missouri, the Midwest or across the US we can help you preserve your property and the natural beauty around it.