Strawberries might be the favorite fruit of many people worldwide – something they enjoy in all manner of ways – however, numerous species of animals also enjoy strawberries as a major part of their diet.
But this begs the question: what animal eats strawberries, and what makes them so beneficial as a food source?
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What Animals Eat Strawberries?
As you might imagine, many animals consume strawberries as part of their daily diet – using them as a vital source of energy, nutrients, and sustenance in the wild.
Squirrels
The most notable consumers of strawberries – at least in the wild – are small rodents and mammals such as squirrels.
These creatures are natural foragers and live on a diet of fruits, vegetables, and nuts found in their natural woodland habitats.
While strawberries might not be a regular part of their diet – especially if strawberries are not naturally indigenous to the country they live in – they still enjoy them, as with other forms of berry.
Raccoons
Raccoons are natural scavengers and will consume almost anything they find – ranging from insects to human garbage to any other food they might find.
As such, they have also been known to consume strawberries when presented with the opportunity.
The most common way raccoons come into contact with strawberries is through human gardens, and they have been known to find their way onto people’s property, encounter a fresh, alluring strawberry patch, and help themselves.
Birds
As with most forms of berries, strawberries are also a favorite for various species of birds – all of whom will feed on any form of fruit or crop, which can be pests in some cases due to the damage they can do.
There are many ways to dissuade birds from eating your own strawberry plants – including mesh around the plants themselves, metallic strips hanging near the plants, or even a small scarecrow in the soil to keep curious birds away.
Insects
Insects are undoubtedly the most common consumer of strawberries – after all, we plant our crops in their natural habitat.
Numerous species of insects and mollusks enjoy strawberries, and their small stature can make them difficult to see and stop.
However, there are some methods you could try to protect your strawberry plants from gluttonous garden inhabitants.
One such method is to bury a small, shallow container in the soil and then fill it with beer.
The sugar in the beer will attract insects, causing them to crawl inside and potentially drown (or at least become distracted enough to leave the strawberries alone).
However, slugs and snails can climb up strawberry plants (albeit slowly), and insects like flies will have no trouble avoiding beer traps.
Using a mesh enclosure like the easy-to-use Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure offers an instant pest guard against insects, birds and other garden pests.
Deer
Perhaps surprisingly, strawberries are also a favorite of deer – adding a jolt of sweetness to their diet of grasses and plant parts.
While these creatures are not usually common sights on private gardens – especially those in suburban areas – they can prove tricky to commercial growing sites.
The best way to protect your strawberries from deer is to use 6-foot-tall meshing like the popular Feitore Deer Fence Netting to stop them from getting to the plants.
The Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler is also very effective at keeping deer and other animals away from your fruits and vegetables.
Rabbits
Small mammals like rabbits are also partial to strawberries – being attracted by the sweetness and color of the fruit.
Rabbits are known for their sweet tooth regarding red berries, and as such, a strawberry plant is a treasure to these wily creatures.
Wild rabbits aren’t such a problem in urban and suburban areas, but they could be a problem in the country. In this instance, mesh around the plants can be the best line of defense.
A highly recommended mesh enclosure like the easy-to-use 36″ Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure offers an instant pest guard against rabbits, squirrels, insects and birds.
Tortoises
If you have a pet tortoise or turtle, you could feed your strawberries to them as a sweet treat.
Tortoises, in particular, love sweet fruits and vegetables, and strawberries can be a great treat to keep them happy, content, and full of energy.
These are less commonly found in suburban areas, but the water in rural areas can find them.
If you live near here, the best defense is to put meshing around your plants to protect them from these slow yet sweet-toothed consumers.
The easy-to-use Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure offers an instant pest guard against tortoises, rabbits, squirrels, insects, birds and other garden pests.
But if you have a pet, then be sure to share your harvest with them. They will certainly enjoy it!
Hamsters
Regarding pets, hamsters also enjoy the occasional strawberry or two, which can be a great treat to keep them happy and full of energy.
Be sure to keep the portion sizes small and be mindful of not overdoing it, but giving them a slice once or twice a week can be a great addition to their diet.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs enjoy a varied diet of fruit and vegetables, and strawberries can be a great addition to this diet – adding a jolt of sweetness to their food dish.
Once again, be conscious of portion size, as too much could cause stomach upset.
Possums
Lastly, one of the main consumers of strawberry plants is possums – common scavengers found in rural and suburban areas alike.
Possums will eat just about anything, and as such, a strawberry plant can seem like a dream come true to these complex and misunderstood creatures.
However, if you want to protect your harvest, then be sure to use a thin mesh enclosure like the Outdoor Mesh Plant Enclosure, which offers instant pest guard protection against garden pests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On What Animals Like Strawberries
Q: Animals that eat strawberries?
A: Strawberries are an irresistible treat for animals! Some common animals that enjoy munching on these juicy fruits include rabbits, deer, birds like thrushes and robins, and even some insects like slugs and snails.
Q: Can hamsters eat strawberry leaves?
A: Yes, strawberry leaves can be fed to hamsters in moderation. While it may not be their favorite food, strawberry leaves are safe for hamsters. Ensure the leaves are thoroughly washed and free from pesticides or chemicals before feeding them to your furry friend.
Q: Can deer eat strawberries?
A: Yes, deer can eat strawberries. While strawberries are not typically preferred for deer, they may eat them if other food sources are scarce. Protecting your strawberry plants from deer by using fencing or other deterrents is advisable.
Q: Do possums eat strawberries?
A: Possums, omnivorous mammals, eat strawberries as a part of their diet. While they primarily feed on insects, small animals, fruits, and vegetables, they can occasionally be attracted to strawberry crops.
Q: Can squirrels eat strawberries?
A: Yes, squirrels can eat strawberries. Strawberries are safe for squirrels to consume, and they are often attracted to the sweet taste of these berries. However, it is important to note that squirrels can also be picky eaters, and their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about strawberries and which animals love nothing more than to chow down on this delicious fruit.
It’s true that strawberries are not just personal favorites of many humans and that several animals make them part of their daily diet.
However, some animals that eat strawberries like them more than others, so we have given them pride and place in this article.
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