I'm sure that there are other possibilities but in my southern gardens that kind of damage would be from those pesky voles. Good grief, those varmints can do a bunch of damage! Just try growing cucumbers or summer squash when sharing the garden with voles.

Probably right about some small rodent. They've been progressively boring out the insides to the rind. Can't use spring traps due to pets, but have set out a bait station.

Just a confirmation on the source of the cantaloupe damage. Not voles, but roof rats... I believe... if I have those ears right. Caught six so far and more nibbling at the bait station. Damage has stopped - thanks for pointing me in the direction of rodents. Been so long since we've seen a flare up like this, I hadn't checked the station for signs of activity since last winter. They appear to love the cover of our large stand of Turk's Cap that sits between the cantaloupes and dwarf peaches they were feasting on.

Edit: Added link confirming ID... ears did give it away.

Here is a link that might be useful: Features of Norway vs Roof Rats

This post was edited by bostedo on Thu, Sep 19, 13 at 9:20

bostedo, nicely networked and resolved.