I am wondering if, with all this rain and accompanying overcast skies on the east coast, our plants' "outside cuticles" are not really adjusting to outdoor sunlight but are getting sunburned when they are exposed to bright light for short periods of time. If ten days pass with very little bright sunlight, they're quite likely to develop new growth that isn't used to it. It seems to be happening for a lot of people who say they hardened off their plants before setting them in their permanent home.

Why should they not be comfy while they are eating their spoils? I vote for coon also, they really don't need a big hole. No, dog fur, human hair, urine, etc will not work, maybe for a day or two. I have fought squirrels all summer, the raccoons are not small enough to get between the electric fence, so now they just destroy the bird feeders. Even when I bring the feeders in at night they bend the pole over. You might hope for a raccoon, it could be a skunk. (Mary Sunshine here spreading the joy!) The electric works on them too. You can tell the next morning:(

Hi gorbelly..........sorry, I just can't get a good pic of it. The leaves are just eaten off the stems. I've checked over ever nook and cranny, and there are no worms or bugs. This is still a pretty small plant, so it's easy to check over everything. I wonder if chipmunks or squirrels or mice would do that? They haven't started on any of the other tomato plants yet. I'm getting ready to take out my fake owl that makes a horrible noise when motion is detected. I've just never had this problem so early in the season. I actually like hornworms and are quite familiar with them. They turn into cool sphinx moths. Of course, I don't let them eat too many leaves. I usually move them. But if they behave themselves, I'm willing to share a little. :)

I really appreciate all of the helpful responses. I found some hornworms (wow, they are well camouflaged!), so I am chalking up the damage to them for now. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy the rest of the tomato fruit without other critters beating me to it. Thanks everyone!