Probably a bunny. They're suprisingly agile. Very doubtful it was a bird. And ground squirrels not so interested in greens. That's a bunny's territory. Fortunately, you can just put a chicken wire cage over them, and that will deter bunnies. They're not very adventurous. Now, rats, that's a different story, but more likely this was bunny damage.

Patty S.

If you have deer they are also fond of peppers. Al

No snail trails? I thought someone had played a cruel joke on me once when each and every one of my newly planted marigolds looked just like that the morning after planting. Escargot.
Renee

Thanks. No deer here. Hadn't thought about snails - can they take off a plant top like that overnight?? It was probably a bunny but I am really surprised that the pot wasn't tipped over. It must have been an enormous bunny, most of the guys I see in my yard aren't tall enough even if stretched out. Ah well I have most of my planting areas fenced/caged off and this is a good reminder why. Now I just have to see if the pepper will grow back, I expect so since the culprit left some lower leaves intact.

clean snip = rabbit. They climb.