'Vegetable Vandals' (Rabbits, Groundhogs, Deer) Topic Of RI Talk

Many Rhode Island gardeners have had the experience of stepping outside to find their crops, flowers, and lawn damaged by rabbits, groundhogs and deer.

While the animals can wreak havoc, they are important to the ecosystem, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

RIDEM on Wednesday will hold a virtual Zoom session on such "fuzzy felons" and "vegetable vandals." Wildlife experts will divulge strategies that gardeners can use to protect their crops. They will cover the rules and regulations for hunting, trapping on private property. RIDEM staffers will also talk about the New England Cottontail Project and Deer Program.

This virtual program is free to attend, but registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Interested parties can sign up here.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 7, 7-8:30 p.m.

People with questions should contact Gabrielle.DeMeillon@dem.ri.gov.