Carrot damage

[Suecalow]

Has anyone come across damage to carrots or other veg like this. I would be very interested as to which animal would have caused it. I have attached a few pictures illustrating the damage to my carrot crop. The first image shows an overall view of the plot. The second shows extensive damage to the crop, the carrot has been eaten on the top and side and the animal has dug a hole down the side of the carrot to do so. The third shows more carrots whos tops have been nibbled off. The fourth image is possibly the most puzzling, the carrot tops have been nibbled through and detached from the carrot, but neither carrot or top has been eaten. We have had trouble with moles in these veg plots this year but this damage seems to have been caused from above ground. I would be very greatful if anyone could enlighten me to what sort of animal may have cause this damage as I have not seen this sort of thing before.


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[johnmichael]

Looks like mice or rats perhaps.

[Lesley Jay]

Or maybe rabbits are to blame.

[Suecalow]

Does anybody think that it could be caused by the mole trying to clear it's tunnel. I moles are carnivores, but would they eat a carrot? Also do mice and rats dig to get to crops?

[johnmichael]

Originally Posted by Suecalow

Does anybody think that it could be caused by the mole trying to clear it's tunnel. I moles are carnivores, but would they eat a carrot? Also do mice and rats dig to get to crops?

They do to dig up pea seeds.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Sue, there is a photo on this link that is similar to the damage on your carrots, which has been caused by rabbits . Moles mainly eat earthworms, beetle larvae, slugs, leatherjackets, wireworms and cutworms.

Science Photo Library

[Suecalow]

That's great. Thank you so much everybody. After looking at the photo posted I believe you could be right that rabbits are the cause. I will keep a lookout.