Out in the desert I have to contend with rattlesnakes, coral snakes,
coyotes, and javelinas. The latter are particularly troublesome as
they often bite through irrigation lines to get water. We also have
several species of very inquisitive and clever birds.
My good friend Paul McMillan 90 km to the south was watering his plants
when he was bitten by a rabid fox. He had to go through the rabies
shot sequence. His main problem now are skunks.
I think the best approach on all these things is some sort of
cohabitation. In other words, Sen~or Beer, making the wire mesh
cages is probably the best thing to do. I recall when I subscribed to
the gardening network the woes people had with deer. They'd try
everything---soap, human hair, pepper, streamers to blow in the wind,
even feline poop (as in lion or tiger---you can buy it as ``Zoo Doo'').
When someone suggested urinating around the garden, or putting up
electric fences, I helpfully suggested putting up the electric
fences and *then* urinating on them.
I think that in the end, wildlife has a tenacity and resourcefulness
you don't have time to fight. Use the cages.
BAMR