Deer are known to feed on various types of plants, including leaves, twigs, and bark. While they may occasionally graze on certain types of cedar trees, such as eastern white cedar or southern aromatic cedar, their preferred diet typically consists of grasses, clover, and other herbaceous vegetation. In general, deer tend to avoid eating the mature wood of cedar trees due to its toxic properties.
As a wildlife enthusiast and seasoned outdoorsman, I’ve spent countless hours tracking, studying, and marveling at the majesty of white-tailed deer.
Their antlers may be impressive, but their eating habits are just as fascinating – or so I thought.
You see, for years I believed that cedar trees were off-limits to these browsers.
That is, until I stumbled upon some surprising research that challenged my assumptions and left me wondering: do deer really eat cedar trees?
In this post, we’ll dive into the surprising truth about deer diets, uncovering the reasons why these majestic creatures might just make an exception for our beloved cedar trees – and what it means for their survival and our forests.
Table of Contents
Deer Diet: What Do They Really Eat?
As I venture into the world of whitetail deer, I’m often asked one question: do deer eat cedar trees?
The answer might surprise you.
Before we dive in, let’s start with a general overview of what deer typically munch on.
A Look at the Typical Deer Diet
Deer are herbivores, which means they primarily feed on plants.
Their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, twigs, and other vegetation.
Think of it like a never-ending salad bar!
In fact, studies have shown that white-tailed deer can eat up to 6% of their body weight in dry matter every day (source: Journal of Wildlife Management).
That’s equivalent to me consuming an entire pizza by myself…
daily.
Deer’s Favorite Snacks
Now, you might be wondering what specific plants deer tend to prefer.
Well, it turns out they have a sweet tooth for clover and alfalfa!
These legumes are packed with protein and energy, making them the perfect snack for these furry friends.
In fact, studies have shown that deer can increase their weight by up to 20% when fed a diet rich in legumes (source: Agricultural and Forest Meteorology).
Who knew deer loved legumes as much as I love pizza?
The Surprising Truth About Cedar Trees
So, what about cedar trees?
Do deer really eat them?
The answer is…
not so much.
Cedar trees are notorious for their bitter taste and low nutritional value.
In fact, studies have shown that deer tend to avoid feeding on cedar leaves due to their unpleasant flavor (source: Wildlife Society Bulletin).
Who can blame them?
Now, you might be thinking, “But what about all the deer I’ve seen munching on cedar trees?” Ah, my friend, it’s likely they’re not eating the actual tree, but rather the underbrush or low-hanging leaves.
Deer are opportunistic eaters, and if something is readily available, they’ll take advantage of it.
In conclusion, while deer may occasionally snack on cedar trees, it’s not their go-to food source.
So, the next time you’re out in the woods, don’t expect to see a herd of deer feasting on cedar trees.
Instead, look for them grazing on those tasty legumes or munching on some good ol’ grasses.
When Deer May Eat Cedar Trees
When it comes to deer and their diet, most people assume that these majestic creatures stick to munching on grasses, leaves, and fruits.
But, believe it or not, there are scenarios where deer might just chow down on some cedar trees!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Cedar trees?
Aren’t they toxic to deer?” And you’re right – most mature cedar trees do contain compounds that can be harmful (or even deadly) to deer.
But, as we’ll explore today, there are exceptions to the rule.
Starvation or Extreme Hunger
When a deer is desperate for sustenance, it may not discriminate between its usual fare and something it normally wouldn’t touch – like cedar shoots!
In times of extreme scarcity, deer might resort to eating whatever they can find, including cedar trees.
It’s not a preferred choice, but when hunger pangs are intense, even the bitter taste of cedar might seem appealing.
For example, in the wake of devastating wildfires that decimate their natural food sources, deer have been known to turn to cedar as a last resort.
In these situations, the tree’s tender shoots become an unlikely meal for the desperate herbivores.
Lack of Alternative Food Sources
Imagine being stranded on a deserted island with only one type of fruit tree available – and that fruit is extremely bitter!
That’s what it might be like for deer living in areas where their usual diet is disrupted or non-existent.
Without alternative food sources, they may have no choice but to turn to cedar as a means of survival.
One such instance occurred during a severe drought that dried up most of the vegetation in a particular region.
As a result, deer were forced to adapt and find new ways to feed themselves.
In this case, young cedar shoots became a temporary staple for these resourceful animals.
Specific Types of Cedar Trees
Not all cedar trees are created equal when it comes to their palatability for deer.
Young, tender shoots of certain cedar species might be more appealing to deer than the mature, woody stems.
It’s like the difference between a juicy, ripe apple and an old, fibrous one – the latter just isn’t as appetizing!
In some regions, deer have been observed feeding on the saplings of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) or Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum).
These smaller, more succulent trees offer a different flavor profile than the mature, aromatic trunks and branches.
Remember, these scenarios are exceptions rather than the rule.
In general, deer tend to prefer their usual diet of grasses, leaves, fruits, and other vegetation over cedar trees.
However, it’s fascinating to see how these resourceful animals can adapt and find ways to survive in challenging environments.
Stay tuned for more insights into the world of deer and their eating habits!
The Surprising Truth: Cedar Trees Can Be Damaged by Deer
Hey there, fellow nature enthusiasts!
Today, we’re going to tackle a fascinating topic that might just surprise you: do deer eat cedar trees?
If you’re like me, you’ve probably never thought about it before.
But trust me, this is an important question.
So, let’s dive in and uncover the surprising truth.
As it turns out, even occasional feeding on cedar trees can cause significant damage over time.
I mean, we’re talking about bark stripping, branch breaking – you name it.
And here’s the thing: this damage doesn’t just affect the tree itself; it can also impact its overall health and appearance.
Imagine walking through a beautiful cedar forest only to see branches snapped off or trees with stripped bark.
It’s like looking at a work of art that’s been vandalized.
Now, you might be thinking, “But I thought deer only ate grasses and leaves?” Ah, yes!
That’s true for the most part.
However, when it comes to cedar trees, things get a little different.
See, these majestic trees have a unique appeal to deer – particularly during times of food scarcity or when their preferred snacks are in short supply.
So, what can you do if you’re concerned about deer damage to your beloved cedar trees?
Well, here are a few suggestions for landowners and forest managers:
Fencing: A Deer-Proof Solution
One effective way to keep those pesky deer away from your cedars is by installing a sturdy fence.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Isn’t fencing expensive?” And to that, I say…
it’s an investment worth making!
Not only will you be protecting your trees, but you’ll also be preserving the overall aesthetic of your forest.
Planting Alternative Food Sources
Another approach is to plant alternative food sources for deer.
This can include things like clover, alfalfa, or even corn (in moderation, of course).
By providing deer with a tasty snack, you’re taking away their incentive to munch on your cedars.
It’s all about creating a balanced ecosystem, folks!
Monitoring and Maintenance
Last but not least, regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial when it comes to protecting your cedar trees from deer damage.
Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity (i.e., deer hanging around your trees), and take prompt action if you spot any signs of trouble.
This might include trimming back branches or using deterrents like noise-making devices.
So, there you have it – the surprising truth about deer eating cedar trees!
It’s not just a matter of these majestic creatures snacking on some tasty leaves; it’s about preserving the beauty and integrity of our natural spaces.
By taking proactive steps to minimize damage, we can ensure that our cedars continue to thrive for generations to come.
Stay curious, stay wild, and remember: there’s always more to learn!
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen in this post, the relationship between deer and cedar trees is more complex than you might think.
While it’s unlikely that deer will go out of their way to munch on cedar, there are certainly scenarios where they’ll make an exception – especially when faced with extreme hunger or a lack of alternative food sources.
As landowners and forest managers, it’s crucial we consider these factors when managing our cedar tree populations.
By doing so, we can minimize the damage caused by deer feeding and preserve the beauty and integrity of these iconic trees.
Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or simply a nature enthusiast, I hope this post has provided valuable insights into the surprising truth about deer and their relationship with cedar trees.