Deer is one of the most loved animals in the ecosystem and equally preyed upon. Hence, their place in the food web makes them vital to the system. Further, the species’ grazing nature boasts vegetation, while they become food for carnivores within their habitat.
Likewise, they offer balance through their prey and predator relationship. However, deer must learn to avoid predators in the wild to boost their population. They often keep themselves safe with their excellent vision, speed, agility, and hearing.
Moreover, since they move in herds, thus, they take care of each other in the group. However, this is not the case each time, as hungry carnivores get them. Therefore, the question remains – what animal eats deer?
In this article, we will provide detailed information about predators of deer and explore its importance in the food web. So, let’s get started!
The Deer’s Place in the Food Web
The deer becomes vital since the entire animal race has an essential role in the food web. Since they have a presence all over the world, thus deer have a significant impact on the overall functioning of the animal food web.
Since deer are herbivorous, they eat only plants. Although their eating preferences change from time of the year to location, they mostly love eating grass, leaves, and other greens.
Likewise, deer dropping becomes vital for plants as it works as a nutrient. Likewise, deer antlers serve Earth and other animals when they decompose in winter. Surprisingly, deer sometimes consume its antlers as it is full of nutrients and becomes an excellent energy source.
However, the deer and food chain does not stop at antlers, as there are many predators of deer. It is natural, and we can only praise deer’s role in maintaining a balance in the food web.
Furthermore, deer also serve humans, who love eating deer meat. Further, people use its fur for decoration and its leather to keep warm in cold regions.
Natural Predators of Deer
As we have seen, deer have their presence worldwide in different climates. Therefore, the list of natural predators is long. However, predators also have their preferences, the following list is the worst natural predators of deer.
● Alligators
● Wolves
● Bears
● Wild cats
● Killer whales
● Coyotes
The list does not end here, as plenty of other animals enjoy deer meat. However, we have compiled this list based on deer predators more likely to kill them.
Moreover, vultures also eat deer; however, they will not hunt by themselves. In addition, wolverine eagles also feast on deer. We will discuss each predator in more detail in the next section.
List of Deer Predators around the World
Since deer are central to the animal food chain, their global presence makes them an ideal hunting option for many predators. However, we will limit our discussion to thirteen deer predators.
Here are the top deer predators’ list.
1. Wolves
Just like deer, wolves are present all over the world and, hence, are at the top of the list when it comes to deer predators. Since they are fast and agile and travel in packs by night, they are an ideal candidate to catch a deer off guard.
However, since wolves are generally smaller than deer, the chance for a lone wolf to get a deer is rare. Therefore, wolves always attack deer by forming groups. Thus significantly improving the chances of getting prey.
2. Bobcats
Although bobcats generally love hunting small mammals like mice, rabbits, or squirrels. However, they hunt deer when usual prey is scarce, especially in winter.
Since bobcats are stealthy and can easily maneuver through rough terrain, they are ideal for catching a deer. Likewise, their ability to climb trees offers them a perfect view of a sole deer.
3. Mountain Lions
Unlike wolves, mountain lions love to prey solo. They silently stalk their prey before pouncing on when they are close enough to make a catch. Lions have perfect catching capabilities, as prey generally do not notice their predator and only know when it is already late.
Mountain lions are top of the food chain, thus playing a vital ecological role. Although they usually prey on small mammals like rabbits or raccoons, however, white-tailed deer and mule deer are their favorite food
4. Coyotes
Coyotes are generally an opportunistic feeder, which means they eat what is available. Although they prefer smaller mammals, they also attack bigger mammals who are young or injured.
Moreover, coyotes only take on the role of an apex predator when true predators like lions and wolves are not around. Likewise, coyotes do not hunt adult deer but rather consume fawns. Coyotes are famous for significantly reducing whitetail deer.
5. Feral Hogs
Feral hog is another answer to the question – what animal eats deer? However, they eat plant matter, sea turtle eggs, and ground-nesting bird eggs. However, feral hogs also prey on small deer fawns.
Since, fawns have a lean stature and docile nature, thus they become easy prey for feral hogs. Likewise, feral hogs eat deer during winter, when their usual prey is hard to locate.
6. Bears
Bears are one of the ultimate predators. With hundreds of pounds of weight, giant claws, and sharp teeth, bears are born to prey on carnivores. Since bears are top of the food chain; hence they do not have a natural predator.
Moreover, they have a wide-ranging diet, including berries, fish, birds, mammals, and deer. However, bears generally eat fawns. Since healthy adult deer would outrun a bear, thus they will feed on deer carcasses.
7. Lynx
Since lynxes have longer legs and bigger paws, thus making them a perfect fit to prey on deer. However, lynxes do not have a good preying technique compared to other carnivores of their family. Moreover, bears and wolves can kill a lynx.
Although, lynxes have multiple eating options like small rodents and game birds. However, they also love eating red deer and roe deer. Just like lions, they stalk their prey from behind and launch a surprising attack. They also save animals’ haunches for later serving.
8. Alligators Eat Deer
Since alligators are opportunistic predators, they will miss a deer when they get one. Alligators, which are longer than four feet, are apex predators. They use their sharp teeth and powerful grip to drag their prey into the water, drown it, and devour it.
Although they predominantly eat fish and small mammals, they will not miss on larger mammals like deer, bears, and other alligators.
9. Birds of prey
It is a tough imagination to see a bird preying on a deer. However, it is a reality. Raptors like eagles and falcons have this tendency to take down fawns and even adult deer. Generally, birds of prey prefer attacking an old or injured deer.
Since they have razor-sharp talons, their hooked beaks provide them the power to shred the prey into pieces, thus making them helpless. Moreover, golden eagles generally attack small mammals, including rats, geese, and rabbits. Nevertheless, they do not shy away from taking down bigger mammals like deer.
10. Wild Cats
Deer are the favorite food for wild cats like jaguars. It is evident from the fact that wild cats eat one deer per week. Since wild cats do not move in a group, they will hunt a deer independently. Moreover, a wild cat is the obvious answer for what animal eats deer.
Additionally, wild cats have a fast pace and body movement, thus making them a perfect fit to match a deer’s agility. Furthermore, wild cats do not shy away from attacking a herd of deer. Therefore, making it one of the largest predators of deer.
11. Killer Whales
Killer whales may seem surprising in the list of deer predators, but they prey on deer. Scientists have even observed sharks preying on species of deer. Since moose and reindeer like to swim, whales get them mid-sea.
Generally, deer enter the water for drinking, to commute between places, or to get rid of bugs, thus offering a chance for killer whales to make a meal for them.
12. Wolverines are Deer Predators
Wolverines are the largest land-dwelling members of the Weasel family. Although relatively small mammals, they can take down a deer well over ten times their size. One of the exciting aspects of a wolverine hunting a deer is that they use snow as an aid.
Since other food becomes scarcer in winter, thus wolverines start looking for bigger prey and deer perfectly fit their desired description.
13. Humans hunt for deer meat
It is sad to mention that humans are the largest predators of deer. Since ancient times, deer have served humans in different ways, from food to decoration to providing fur to shelter from harsh environments.
Between 2020 and 2021, deer hunters killed around 6.3 million deer in the United States alone.
How Deer Avoid (Escape from) Predators?
Deer use multiple sources to avoid predators, with fleeing from the scene being the top method. However, escaping predators is a daunting task. Here are a few tricks used by deer to avoid a hunter.
Camouflage
Deer are good at camouflage, thus are hard to locate. Although they are easier to be caught in the open, they prefer staying in the jungle. Moreover, deer are excellent at staying still.
Heightened Hearing
Deer have a wider hearing range than humans. Therefore, they are capable of picking up lower frequencies. Thus, they amplify sounds from a distance and flee the scene.
Planning
Deer have a group system; they prefer living at a certain spot. Therefore, choose a place that is secure from predators. They also sleep at a secure place with multiple escape routes.
Deer Use Their Keen Sense of Smell
Another escape capability that deer use is their sense of smell. They can sense movements and dangers in advance and move swiftly to flee from the scene.
Deer are Good Swimmers
Deers can swim away from dangers if needed, as they swim well.
Mule Deer Stand Together Against Predators
Younger deer stay together, generally protected by an adult. Thus, offering support against predators.
What Animal Kills the Most Deer?
Worldwide figures suggest that wolves are animals that kill the most deer. They are apex predators wherever they live, and since they have a presence worldwide, thus, kill more deer.
Moreover, wolves can eat almost anything they can prey on, making deer a huntable animal. However, they do not exclusively feed on deer.
Deer Predators in North America
Although deer are present all around North America, predators vary from place to place. For instance, killer whales tend to hunt down deer, whereas in Texas, coyotes and mountain lions prey on deer.
So, there is no single category of deer predators in North America, but they depend upon habitat and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a deer eat?
Deer love to eat green and woody plants like grass, sedges, leaves and shoots of trees.
Which animal is most likely to be a predator of deer?
Wolves are the most likely to be a predator of deer due to their presence worldwide.
What eats a deer remains?
Vultures, crows, hawks, eagles and foxes are more likely to eat deer remains.
Is deer eaten by a snake?
Yes! Large-sized snakes like pythons can eat deer.
Why do animals eat deer?
It is ecology since deer are prey species, therefore, predators will always kill and eat them.