What do deer eat in the woods?

Deer are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Their diet in the woods can vary depending on the season and what's available, but here's a breakdown:

Common Foods:

* Grasses and Forbs: These are the staples of a deer's diet, especially in the summer and fall.

* Trees and Shrubs: Deer browse on twigs, leaves, and buds of various trees and shrubs, especially during the winter when other food sources are scarce. Common examples include:

* Oak, maple, aspen, willow, birch, sumac, and dogwood

* Fruits and Berries: They love fruits like apples, berries, and acorns, especially in the fall.

* Mushrooms and Fungi: Deer will sometimes eat mushrooms, although they prefer the above options.

* Agricultural Crops: Unfortunately, deer also enjoy raiding farm fields and gardens, eating crops like corn, soybeans, and vegetables.

Seasonal Variations:

* Spring: New growth of grasses, forbs, and tree buds are abundant.

* Summer: Grasses and forbs are plentiful, along with berries and fruits.

* Fall: Acorns, berries, and fruits are abundant, as are grasses and forbs before the first frost.

* Winter: Deer primarily browse on twigs, buds, and bark of trees and shrubs. They may also eat fallen fruits and berries if available.

Important Note: Deer often prefer certain plants over others, and their preferences can vary based on location and individual deer.