Tulips grow from big, succulent bulbs, making them extra tasty to wildlife. Deer, gophers, rabbits, and even digging critters like voles and moles are more than happy to take a bite out of your tulip bulbs, and squirrels are liable to carry them off for safekeeping. If you're finding nibbles--or full bulbs--missing from your tulip bed, it's time to start thinking about strategies to deter the wintertime grazers. Using a commercial-grade animal deterrent often works wonders. Spray-on, soak-on, or granular repellents use elements that are unpleasant to pests, such as spices or the scent of predator urine, to deter them from entering your garden. If you don't want to use animal repellent-- say, you want to see wildlife in the garden, just not eating your bulbs--physical barriers are another good way to reduce animal grazing. There are a few ways to physically block squirrels and other animals from getting at your tulip bulbs. One way is to lay a piece of chicken wire or garden cloth over the ground before planting. Cut through the cloth or snip a few tiny pieces of wire to create a space for planting, then spread mulch over the barrier after backfilling. Another very easy way is to purchase a bulb basket, like you will find on the Michigan Bulb site. Dig a hole large enough to bury the basket in the ground and place your tulip bulbs inside. Now, add the lid to the basket and backfill your soil covering it and protecting your tulip bulbs from hungry critters.