Over the past few days, I have observed a number of twigs & branches from
one of the maple tree's in my yard scattered about the yard. They appear to
be cut at an angle but it is not a shear cut, more ragged. I suspect an
animal is doing this and am looking for a way to stop it. I have no idea
what animal is involved. I live in a rural subdivision. I have not seen
this occur before and none of my neighbor's are experiencing it. Any clues
what animal might be causing this and how I can prevent it?

Dave