Do Deer Eat Oak Trees

Acorns from trees in the red oak family generally have higher tannic acid content than white oaks, making them more bitter. This is why, given a choice between the two, deer will eat the white oak acorns first and turn to red oaks only when the others are gone.

What animals do oak trees attract?

Because oak trees attract such a wide variety of insects, they are considered to be one of the most important trees for woodland dwelling birds. Oak trees also produce acorns, which are a very important winter food for deer, fox, bear, squirrels, turkey, wood duck, and many birds.

Why do deer like oak trees?

Oak leaves and twigs supply the dietary requirements of deer for protein and phosphorous in spring and fall. Deer prefer to feed on the oak species which have the greatest amount of protein and are easiest to digest, including valley, black, blue, scrub, and live oaks.