Large herbivores:
* Elk: They share similar habitats and diets with deer.
* Moose: Also consume a wide range of plants, competing with deer in areas of overlap.
* Cattle and sheep: Domestic livestock can compete with deer for grazing land.
* Rabbits and hares: They eat similar vegetation, especially in areas with low browse availability.
* Horses: Wild horses and domestic horses can compete for forage.
Smaller herbivores:
* Squirrels: They eat nuts, seeds, and sometimes buds, overlapping with deer's diet.
* Rodents (e.g., voles, mice): These animals eat grasses, seeds, and other plant material, competing with deer for certain resources.
* Insects: While deer primarily eat leaves and plants, they also consume insects at times, potentially competing with other insect-eating animals.
Other factors affecting competition:
* Season: Competition intensifies during times of food scarcity, like winter or droughts.
* Habitat: Different deer species and their competitors have different habitat preferences, leading to varying levels of competition.
* Food availability: Competition can be more pronounced in areas with limited food resources.
It's important to note that competition is not always direct or aggressive. Animals may use different foraging strategies, feeding at different times of day, or simply avoiding areas with high competition.