One of the greatest joys of living on our piece of land in the Pacific Northwest is sharing it with the local wildlife. From the birds in the trees to the deer that wander through at dusk, our property often feels like a calm, welcome stop for them.

But as any gardener knows, coexisting with wildlife is a delicate balance between wonder and frustration. Learning which animals are friends to the garden and which are foes (or at least mischievous visitors) is a key part of the homesteading journey.

 

The Majestic Garden Nibblers: Deer

 

Just recently, a new buck we hadn't seen before paid us a visit. It’s moments like these that make you feel like you're truly part of the local ecosystem. We suspect generations of deer have been raised in the surrounding woods, and we love seeing them.

  • Friend or Foe? A bit of both! While beautiful to watch, they can decimate a vegetable garden overnight.
  • Our Approach: The key for us is defense. We use tall, sturdy fencing around our main vegetable garden to protect our hard work. This allows the deer to browse freely in other parts of the property without us worrying about our winter food supply. We get to enjoy their presence, and they don't eat our kale. It's a win-win.

 

Other Common Visitors on the Farm

 

Beyond deer, here are a few other creatures we regularly encounter:

  • Raccoons: Incredibly smart and curious. They are foes of the chicken coop and corn patch, requiring secure latches and careful planning.
  • Coyotes: We hear them more than we see them. They are fantastic for keeping the rodent population in check, but a serious threat to cats and small chickens, so we make sure our animals are secure at night.
  • Songbirds & Pollinators: Absolute friends of the garden! We encourage them by planting native flowers like coneflowers and leaving some areas a little wild.

Living with wildlife means finding a balance between appreciation and protection. How do you coexist with the wildlife on your property?