I picked up a couple of artichoke plants in 6" pots at the local
nursery, and left them on the patio overnight. The next morning the
plants had been pulled out of the pots and the roots had been eaten
off right up to the stem, The leaves were untouched.

We have spotted raccoons and opossums in the area at night.

Does anyone happen to know which kind of critter enjoys artichoke root?