Tulip Bulbs Disappearing: Animal Theft or Human Vandalism?

Investigating the Missing Tulips

A landscaping project in Scarsdale, NY, reported freshly dug soil and missing tulip bulbs at an unoccupied, under-renovation home. The primary suspects: squirrels, chipmunks, voles, or humans.

Animal vs. Human Signs

Sign	Animal	Human
Digging pattern	Small, scattered holes	Large, uniform excavation
Debris	Soil piles, bulb skins	Tools, footprints, trash
Timing	Night/dawn	Any time, often daytime
Other damage	Chewed bulbs, gnaw marks	Cut stems, clean removal

Most Likely Animal Culprits

• Gray squirrels: Dig up and eat bulbs, especially in fall/winter.
• Chipmunks: Store bulbs in burrows.
• Voles: Eat bulbs underground; leave tunnel systems.

Raccoons rarely target bulbs; they prefer grubs, fruit, garbage.

Recommended Actions

1. Inspect site for tracks, droppings, tool marks.
2. Photograph damage and email to extension or wildlife expert.
3. Install trail camera if ongoing.
4. Protect remaining bulbs: plant in hardware cloth cages, use repellent dips (e.g., thiram), or delay planting until ground freezes.

Involve Authorities if Human Theft Suspected

File a police report; provide photos. Construction sites are targets for plant theft.