Mushrooms are one of the most abundant food sources in nature. They are found in nearly every ecosystem and play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter.
Deer are a common sight in many mushroom-rich habitats and are known to eat a variety of plants, so it’s a reasonable assumption to think that deer eat mushrooms.
But do they really?
Do Deer Eat Mushrooms?
The answer is yes; deer will eat mushrooms. While not a staple of their diet, mushrooms are packed with proteins and other essential vitamins, and deer will often consume mushrooms during the course of their foraging to add variety to their nutrition.
Deer are opportunistic herbivorous animals, meaning they will eat just about anything available to them. This includes mushrooms, which deer will often eat when they are encountered.
While deer eat mushrooms, they are not a primary food source, and deer will usually only consume them if other options are unavailable. If you find deer in your area eating mushrooms, it’s likely because they are hungry and mushrooms happen to be available – not because they have sought them out.
The mushrooms themselves offer various benefits to deer when consumed. Not only are they packed with water, protein, and other essential nutrients, but they also help deer to digest other food items more efficiently.
Mushrooms also contain a type of sugar called chitin, which deer can use as an energy source. Chitin is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of fungi – including mushrooms. Deer can break down chitin and extract energy, making mushrooms a valuable food source, especially in early spring and late fall when other food sources may be scarce.
That said, deer won’t eat all types of mushrooms. There are some mushrooms that deer simply don’t like the taste of or that can cause them digestive problems.
So, which species of mushrooms do deer prefer?
Which Species of Mushrooms Do Deer Eat?
Deer eat various mushroom species, including but not limited to morel, chanterelle, oyster, shiitake, bolete, waxy caps, and puffball. The specific mushroom preferences of deer depend on habitat, deer species, and the time of year.
Some deer species, like the white-tailed deer, are known to eat a wider variety of mushrooms than others. This is likely because white-tailed deer have a more diverse diet and ecological habitat and so are more willing to try new things.
Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms possess a distinctive honeycomb structure and are the favorites of deer, including moose, elk, and mule deer. They grow in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and even urban areas.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelles are a type of gilled mushroom that white-tail deer enjoy eating in particular. These fragrant mushrooms have a distinctively fruity smell, and deer will often seek them out in the wild. Chanterelles can be found in forests, fields, and meadows.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms get their name from their oyster-like shape, and they are a type of deer-friendly mushroom commonly found in the wild. They grow on trees, logs, and stumps, and red deer, roe deer, and European fallow deer will often eat them when they are encountered.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that sika deer and Chinese water deer enjoy eating. These mushrooms have a distinctively woodsy taste, and deer will often eat them when available. Shiitake mushrooms are most commonly found in forest environments.
Bolete Mushrooms
Bolete mushrooms are a type of fleshy, spongy mushroom that deer enjoy eating. They have a hearty taste, and all Northern-hemisphere deer will often eat them when available. Bolete mushrooms are most commonly found in woods, fields, and gardens.
Waxy Caps
Waxy caps feature distinctive bright colors (often red) and are one of the most abundant deer-friendly mushroom types. These mushrooms are most often found in wooded areas and grasslands and are consumed by almost all deer species.
Puffballs
As the name suggests, puffball mushrooms are round and puff-like in shape. Pretty much all species of deer enjoy eating them once fully mature. Puffballs are found in woods, forests, and grasslands.
Are Mushrooms Poisonous to Deer?
While it is possible for deer to be poisoned by consuming mushrooms, it is not common. This is because deer have specialized digestive systems that boast a much higher tolerance for toxins than humans. Thus, deer can eat mushrooms that are considered poisonous to humans.
Moreover, deer rarely eat a single type of vegetation when foraging. Their varied diets help protect them from consuming too many toxins at once, which would otherwise be harmful.
Why Do Deer Eat Mushrooms?
The principal reason deer eat mushrooms is for the nutrients they contain. Mushrooms are a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, selenium, copper, and phosphorus.
Herbivores such as deer also often lack protein, and mushrooms can be a good source of this vital nutrient (many mushrooms are as much as 30% crude proteins). So, in short, deer consume mushrooms for the same reasons they eat other plants – to fulfill their nutritional needs.
Mushrooms also tend to be high in water content (as much as 85%), which helps deer to stay hydrated. This is especially important in hot weather or when water is scarce.
Beyond the nutritional benefits, deer tend to eat mushrooms because they taste good!
Like humans, deer have taste receptors on their tongues that allow them to experience different flavors. In fact, tasting is one of the key methods deer use to determine which plants are safe to eat. And while deer are not picky eaters, there are plenty of plants they avoid, suggesting that mushrooms are considered a tasty snack on top of their usual staples.
When Do Deer Eat Mushrooms?
There is no specific period of the year when deer eat mushrooms. Because they are a source of vital nutrients, deer will eat mushrooms whenever they are available.
That said, deer tend to eat more mushrooms in the early spring, when other food sources are scarce, and late fall to help them fatten up for winter. Mushrooms can also be an important food source for deer during periods of heavy rain or snow when other plants are covered and difficult to access.
Final Thoughts on Deer Eating Mushrooms
In short, deer will eat mushrooms when they are available. However, deer rarely eat mushrooms to the exclusion of other plants and will often first seek out other food sources. That said, deer consume mushrooms for the same reasons they eat other plants – to fulfill their nutritional needs.
Mushrooms are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, selenium, copper, and phosphorus. They are also a good source of protein and can help deer to stay hydrated. So, while deer are not picky eaters, they do tend to eat mushrooms because they are nutritious and palatable.