Most animals that feed, live or breed in your garden are hardly ever seen. Field mice, moles, voles and shrews—and even deer such as muntjac in some areas—may spend much of their time in gardens, but are all very shy and prefer to stay under cover. Even so, during quiet contemplation of your garden you could spot one of these creatures feeding unawares.
Gray squirrels are more common and bolder, and their acrobatic displays are an endless source of amusement. They are much less amusing when they dig up your bulbs. It is often food put out for the birds that attracts squirrels, so if you do not want to encourage them, make sure you put food in squirrel-proof feeders.
Foxes, too, arouse mixed feelings but many people enjoy the sight of a sleek, sharp-faced fox slipping alongside the hedge. Foxes are now common in town as well as country. Garbage cans are one attraction, low birds’ nests and fallen fruits are others, so protect nests with wire netting and pick up crops of windfalls if you see the fox as a foe.
Hedgehogs and bats arouse many prejudices, but gardeners usually welcome both since they are enormously beneficial for the garden.
Andyworks/iStockphoto
Hedgehogs can be beneficial creatures in the garden.
