I have several motion activated sprinklers that I use to chase the deer
away. They actually work pretty good. You have to leave the hose hooked up
and turned on so the things will work all the time. They spray an eight
second burst and then reset. Anyway I looked out the other day and saw a
fine spray coming up from one of the hoses. I figured it just couldn't take
the pressure. Upon further examination I found some critter had chomped on
the hose hard enough to puncture it and cause a spray of water. I assume
because it is so dry. I proceeded to cut out the bad section and repair the
hose. Today I look out an another hose is doing the same thing. Then I
went around to look at the other setups. I had turned the water off on one
area as everything of value had frozen. Instead of just poking a hole in
the hose the critter had chewed the thing completely in two in two different
places, I now have three pieces of hose. I still believe the motive is to
get at the water as it is so dry. What ever is doing this is stopping when
it strikes water and if it doesn't it keeps chewing. I have fought the good
fight against a lot of pests but this is a new one on me. I am hesitant to
put drinking containers out as that will attract the deer as well but that
might be the only solution. What ever it is has very small sharp teeth,
might be a possum or a coon. I guess I will vote coon as they are the
smarter of the two I believe. Maybe set the live trap and bait it with
water.

Happy New Year.

Cliff