A variety of animals can frequent home gardens. Some animals, such as songbirds, are welcome additions but others may cause damage. Oftentimes damage may be difficult to attribute to a particular animal unless it is seen causing the damage but other damage may be very characteristic of specific animals. Control of problem animals is often difficult and may require trapping or fencing to effectively exclude the animals from the area where they can cause damage. See information on specific animals for typical damage and some recommended control measures.

Other images

Click for larger image
Many animals, like this frog, provide natural pest control
Click for larger image
Baby opossum that found its way into a shed
Click for larger image
Baby opossum in a tree
Click for larger image
Turtle
 
Click for larger image
Frog in a fountain
Click for larger image
Pocket gopher mound
Click for larger image
Torn up turf or lawns can be caused by animals (skunks, raccoons, squirrels, etc.) foraging for insects, such as  grubs.
Click for larger image
Northern spring peeper hidden in a daylily flower (Hemerocallis)
Click for larger image
Barn swallows are insectivores. Their favorite prey is large flies, but aphids also comprise a large part of their diet.
Click for larger image
Goats used for weed & brush control