Knowledgebase

Woodpeckers #679039

Asked January 12, 2021, 9:47 AM EST

This tree has been dead for at least several years. Is this bark destruction the work of woodpeckers? The bark destruction occurs at roughly 3 feet above the ground and continues to 6 feet above the ground. Pileated woodpeckers most likely? Thank you for your help!

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Though we are not experts in wildlife behavior, this type of bark damage does resemble that caused by woodpeckers, and Pileated (with their greater size and chipping power) is a good educated guess. They would probably be feeding on insects that are consuming the decaying wood. Otherwise, swaths of bark removal also can suggest Black Bear, which have been recorded from Montgomery County, but presumably there would be a different pattern of damage present (such as claw/tooth marks and bark removed in larger strips, rather than chips).

Miri

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied January 13, 2021, 9:34 AM EST
Thank you, Miri!
Jane Burnet

On Jan 13, 2021, at 9:34 AM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied January 18, 2021, 9:20 PM EST

You are welcome.

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied January 19, 2021, 8:21 AM EST

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