I've never seen it. Buds could be nibbled by birds or squirrels, but again, I doubt this is very common. Deer in my area in winter go relentlessly after anything "green" when snow cover and cold occur.

Thanks for your thoughts on my question, it's just good to hear another gardeners opinion! The deer in my garden do devour the Yews and the Emerald Green shrubs, I feel sorry for the deer and let them, but I would spary Liquid Fence on my Ruby Falls if it was deer. I have tons of birds and squirrels but never saw them try to eat Ruby Falls....oh well it's still alive and growing from the top and isn't dead. Thanks again!