What's Gnawing Sunflowers at Ground Level? Likely Rabbits

Sunflowers cut at 6–18 inches with bark stripped and puncture wounds, no tracks, in Portland, OR—this matches rabbit damage. They feed at dawn/dusk, love tender seedlings, and leave clean, angled cuts.

Confirmation

• Look for round, 1/4-inch pellets (droppings) near plants.
• Check for 45° clean cuts on stems (rodents leave rougher edges).

Humane Control

• Live trap: Havahart-style trap baited with peanut butter + apple. Check daily.
• Relocate: At least 1 mile away in suitable habitat (check local laws).
• Exclude: 2-ft chicken wire fence buried 6", bent outward.

Moles don't eat plants; squirrels usually clip higher. Rabbits are the prime suspect.