Deer would eat the whole thing, and probably the high part first. More likely a wascally wabbit.

groundhog.

Oh no. Even harder to keep out. A lot of the high leaves are gone on the far side of this patch, but it's mostly the middle section that's missing, so a smaller animal does make sense. So for this, I have to find wire fencing with smallish holes and bury it partway in the ground, right?

I'm not sure what ate those...but I agree with denninmi...probably not a deer. They would have started on top! My guess is bunnies! They eat all my good stuff in my garden ;)

I think I figured out what did it, or at least where it lives. There was a big hole in our yard that we figured was old, and it got covered up during some recent yard work. The hole is open again. Whatever was inside must have been REALLY hungry.

Groundhog, not rabbits. Groundhogs love cucumbers and can easily do that much damage, generally starting from the ground up. Rabbits would do far less damage and over a period of days. Deer would start at the top and eat the whole thing.

The first year groundhogs are relocating right now and it sounds like one moved in. In my opinion, the best solution is to trap with a Havahart trap and relocate. Set the trap in front on the hole, place boards along side to direct the ground hog in (make sure the trap will still close and not get stuck on the boards), loop over with chicken wire if possible so the only was "in" is through the trap and bait with peaches. Check often if trapping on a hot day.

Good luck!
Bellatrix

Well, the reason I say rabbits is because I have the exact same thing happening to mine. And, I have seen the enemy, caught them in the act, and, while adorable, you'd be amazed at how quickly a couple of little teeny tiny baby bunnies can strip cucumber leaves. These things are barely out of the nest. The good news is, they can't reach very high, so the vines are safe going up the trellis.

Yup....groundhogs make a big hole in the ground and they will keep on and on unil you have a yard and garden full of BIG holes. They are curious creaures and will stand still and look at you while you look at them. My trusty 22 did him in.

Did you look for tracks? Deer tracks will be easy to see.

it is deer, they have ate the tops off my green beans , okra and now cucumbers. I have a fence around my beans and tomatoes. put a fence around my cucumbers now and one covering them. But I need to know if they will go ahead an produce with the tops gone?