Looks like a cutworm tried to chew through it.

Or something/somebody stepped on it...

No foot prints near it, we do have squirrels, but last yr they did not bother with the Sunflowers until the seeds were ripe. Then they would run and leap ontop the heads and look like they were zip lining ... weeeeee. Lol.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I had several amaryllis stalks wiped out in the same fashion: cut down and the ends chewed/shredded. I assumed squirrel, but the damage happened overnight so I am not positive.

Almost looks like there's a borer hole right there at the base too. See it, or am I imagining things?

Just spitballing here:

I imagine the mulch would not show much in the way of footprints...?

We have some pretty big raccoons around here - also possums & the occasional night-roaming dog or cat - not to mention night herons & the ever-present rats.

Cutworms do not shred' things, IMPE. & that tiny hole might be from an opportunistic snail or slug.

Yes, I was thinking raccoon, too, carolb.

Not sure what got yours but the squirrels take the flower heads off our sunflowers. They find a shady place away from the pups and enjoy the feast.

Craig

wisconsitom I see it too, I did not see any buggies in it though. I did not get to check the garden today at all... rain all day and I did not get home until 9pm. if I wake up earlier enough I might be able to set eyes on the garden in the morning, but fat chance of that happening. lol

someone suggested slug, and I agree-it could be one of those slimy fellows. but likely gone now.