A few years back, I decided to plant two dwarf pear trees in my backyard. My love for pears drove this decision, and I eagerly anticipated the day I could enjoy fresh pears from my own garden. Over the past two years, one of these trees has been generously producing pears. This year, the second tree joined in, and I was excited to taste the fruits of my labor. Little did I know, I was about to enter a friendly competition with the local wildlife.
The Fox Squirrels’ Feast
The first hint of trouble came last year. As I watched the pears grow, I noticed that the local Fox Squirrels were just as interested in my pears as I was. To my surprise, they managed to leave me a couple of pears to eat. It was a nice gesture on their part, don’t you think?
This year, the second pear tree started producing its first batch of pears. This tree is a different variety, and I was really curious about how these pears would taste. Unfortunately, the squirrels seemed to have the same curiosity. They began munching on the pears before they even had a chance to ripen. It appears they won’t be as generous this year, as they seem determined to enjoy every last one.
Sharing with the Neighbors
Interestingly, the squirrels have a peculiar habit of dropping some of the pears to the ground. It seems they’re sharing their bounty with the local rabbits, who also seem to have developed a taste for the unripe pears. It’s amusing to watch this little ecosystem in action, even if it means fewer pears for me.
Lessons from Nature
This experience has taught me a lot about the dynamics of my backyard wildlife. The Fox Squirrels and rabbits have found a way to make my pear trees a part of their diet, and I’ve learned to appreciate the role these animals play in my garden. While I might not get to enjoy as many pears as I’d like, I’m grateful for the chance to observe and interact with the natural world right in my own backyard.
A Humorous Conclusion
So, it seems I rank quite low in the pecking order when it comes to my pears! The squirrels and rabbits have made it clear that they too have a claim to my backyard bounty. Despite the competition, there’s something heartwarming about knowing that my garden provides for more than just me. I guess I’ll just have to be quicker next year if I want to enjoy more of those delicious pears!
you could make a “cover” for the pears when they are small, large jar or clear plastic with small air holes. the pear will not care, but the critters won’t be able to snatch them before they are ripe. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip, Bonnie!
I feel your pain — and delight. We have two orange trees and they produced exceptionally delicious, sweet, and extra-juicy oranges this year. As usual, we’re paying the squirrel/opossum tax. Fortunately, the oranges have been abundant, so it isn’t quite as painful as in other years. The Navel Oranges are very large, so it’s pretty funny to see a squirrel trying to drag an orange the size of a softball along the top of the fence. And yes, they do peel the oranges first.