DEAR JOAN: We’ve got an avocado tree in our yard and have waited a number of years to see the tree bear fruit. Final 12 months we had 9 lovely avocados, which we harvested in early March.
This 12 months, we counted 20 avocados earlier than we left for a five-week journey. Once we got here house there was not a single avocado on the tree. There have been no avocados or partially eaten avocados on the bottom. We’re stumped as to what occurred to our avocados.
We’ve got had each raccoons and opossums within the yard prior to now, however don’t suppose they might get to the avocados on the excessive branches. Any concept on what could have occurred?
— Susan Foster, Sunnyvale
DEAR SUSAN: That is a type of questions that needs to be simple to reply, however isn’t. The rationale for that has to do with the avocado itself.
People are the one animals that may – and do – safely eat avocados, largely as a result of we will take away the peeling and the pit, which each include a poisonous compound referred to as persin. The degrees of persin are negligible within the flesh, and our our bodies are able to processing it out.
As a result of the persin may cause extreme abdomen upset and ache, smaller creatures typically give avocados a go whereas bigger animals akin to bears, coyotes, foxes and mountain lions usually tend to munch them.
Now right here’s the pinnacle slapping second. Simply because squirrels, raccoons and opossums aren’t supposed to love avocados doesn’t imply they gained’t strive. Floor squirrels specifically don’t appear that fussed about somewhat upset abdomen, and they’re going to fortunately seize what they will.
Since you have been gone for 5 weeks, the culprits had a very long time to do away with proof. If tree squirrels have been concerned, they could have buried the pits and even the whole fruit. Rats may need helped take away different stays of the pillage, though I feel it doubtless you’d have discovered some remnants of the feast hanging round.
Earlier than we begin blaming critters, nevertheless, I feel we must also think about the robust chance that two-legged varmints are concerned. I don’t wish to trigger suspicion within the neighborhood, however the thief might have been of the human selection who noticed a chance and took it.
DEAR JOAN: Final 12 months a swallow constructed a nest on the rocks above our entrance door. We didn’t catch it immediately as we often enter the home from a distinct door.
This 12 months, we’re watching the world fastidiously and the swallow is attempting once more. My husband is cleansing the grime off each day. Will the swallow finally quit and attempt to discover one other nesting spot or will it simply preserve attempting?
— J. and G., Salinas
DEAR J. and G.: Swallows have a robust inside urge to return to established nesting websites every spring, however your want-to-be neighbor will finally quit.
So long as the early makes an attempt at a nest are eliminated promptly, there’s no downside, however as soon as a nest is constructed and the birds are actively utilizing it, it must be left alone till after the younger swallows have fledged and the mother and father have left.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.
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