Deer are known for their opportunistic eating habits, consuming a wide variety of plants, fruits, and nuts depending on the season and availability. But will they eat black walnuts? The answer, while seemingly simple, is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let's delve into the complexities of deer diets and their relationship with the notoriously hard-shelled black walnut.
What Do Deer Typically Eat?
Deer are herbivores, primarily browsing on vegetation. Their diet varies significantly depending on the season and location. In spring and summer, they favor tender shoots, leaves, grasses, and forbs. As autumn approaches, their diet shifts to include acorns, nuts, berries, and other fruits. During winter, when food is scarce, they may resort to twigs, buds, and even bark.
Are Black Walnuts Part of a Deer's Typical Diet?
While deer can and do consume black walnuts, they aren't a primary food source. Several factors contribute to this:
-
Hard Shell: The incredibly hard shell of a black walnut presents a significant challenge. Deer lack the powerful jaws and teeth needed to easily crack them open, unlike some other nut-eating animals like squirrels. They might try to eat a fallen walnut, but generally give up if they can't easily access the kernel.
-
Tannin Content: Black walnuts contain tannins, which are compounds that can be bitter and potentially toxic in large quantities. Deer will generally avoid foods with high tannin levels, choosing easier-to-digest options when available.
-
Availability: The abundance of other, more readily accessible food sources often makes black walnuts a low priority. If food is scarce, deer may be more likely to attempt cracking open walnuts, but only as a last resort.
Will Deer Eat Black Walnuts if Other Food is Scarce?
Yes, during periods of food scarcity, such as harsh winters, deer might consume black walnuts out of necessity. However, they'll likely only attempt to eat them if they find already-cracked nuts or if the pressure of hunger outweighs the difficulty of accessing the kernel and the potential negative effects of the tannins.
Do Black Walnuts Repel Deer?
The presence of black walnut trees doesn't necessarily repel deer entirely. While deer might not actively seek out black walnuts, they will still forage in areas where black walnut trees are present, particularly if other preferred food sources are available. The smell or presence of black walnuts alone is unlikely to deter them completely.
Can Black Walnuts Be Used as a Deer Deterrent?
While black walnuts aren't a highly effective deer repellent on their own, the strong smell of the husks might offer a slight deterrent effect, perhaps preventing deer from lingering in a particular area for extended periods. However, relying solely on black walnut husks for deer control is not recommended. More effective methods involve creating physical barriers or utilizing commercially available repellents.
Conclusion
In summary, deer can eat black walnuts, but they are not a preferred food source due to the hard shell, tannin content, and availability of more desirable alternatives. While deer might consume them during times of severe food shortage, they are not a significant part of a deer's typical diet, and relying on black walnuts as a primary deer deterrent is unreliable. For effective deer management, consider a combination of strategies, including habitat management and commercially available repellents.
