Probably a neighborhood kid tried to grab them and heard you coming, so the kid dropped them.

Maybe a rabbit? I see them cut my small trees and leave the whole top laying on the ground. What a waste.

{{gwi:411235}}

No bunnies (or pandas) around here. The only resident varmints are squirrels, but I've never had a problem with them. I thought the slugs were feeding after they were cut. Is it possible the slugs bored through them and are the true culprits?

The carnage continues! I'm guessing squirrels are my problem. I've taken a few measures (I used to work for a nusiance wildlife company)to confirm my theory. I should know shortly who's responsible.
{{gwi:411236}}

That's horrible. I'd be hoppin' mad. Good luck with that.

Squirrels confirmed. Problem solved.

stockwell-
And your solution is...?

Havahart traps baited with peanut butter. I relocated six, far far away from my plants. These bastards destroyed over 50 shoots, fortunatly they seemed to like the smaller ones.

Yeah, I love relocating squirrels. I relocate them into my cat's stomach.