Forbs: These are broad-leaved herbaceous plants like clover, alfalfa, and wildflowers.
Grasses: Grasses are an important food source, especially in the summer and fall.
Browse: This includes twigs, leaves, and buds from woody plants like trees and shrubs.
Fruits and Nuts: Deer will readily eat berries, acorns, and other fruits when they are available.
Agricultural Crops: Deer often forage on crops like corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.
Seasonal Variations:
* Spring: New growth and tender plants are favored.
* Summer: Grasses, forbs, and leaves are abundant.
* Fall: Deer focus on nuts, acorns, and browse, building fat reserves for winter.
* Winter: They rely heavily on browse, as other food sources are scarce.
Important Note: Deer will also eat mushrooms and fungi, which provide them with important nutrients.
White-tailed deer are adaptable and can thrive in various environments. Their diet plays a significant role in their survival and health.