Still, the idealistic concept of peaceful coexistence with all living things is in vogue with many urban gardeners, who would rather tolerate significant plant damage than attack a problem with anything more lethal than insecticidal soap. Some people not only want to solve the problem, they want revenge. Werling doesn't necessarily want bodies. But he does want the woodchuck damage diminished. The very same garden restoration that is drawing visitors to the estate also is attracting woodchucks.
Tourists see luscious perennial beds.
Woodchucks see a tasty dinner. To do that, he recently asked John Young, regional director of the Wildlife Habitat Council, to tour the grounds and offer advice. The Wildlife Habitat Council assists large landowners and businesses in managing their land to benefit wildlife. For Fair Lane, Young favors non-lethal approaches such as erecting short electrified fences around flower beds. The power could be left on all night but turned off during the day, when the grounds are open.