Do Deer Eat Mums?

According to Rutgers University, deer eat mums. The university’s Cooperative Extension program identifies mums as plants that are “occasionally severely damaged.” In areas frequented by deer, it is suggested that fencing or repellents be used to reduce the possibility of damage to the flowers.

According to NatureWorks, white-tailed deer are herbivores, or plant eaters, but their diet varies depending upon the season. During spring and summer, deer typically feed on green vegetation. Their fall diet consists primarily of corn and nuts. In the winter, they seek buds and twigs of woody plants.

No matter the season, deer have predictable eating habits. Their mealtimes are in the early morning and late afternoon. In addition, they regularly use the same trails when traveling to their food sources.