Deer will consume bananas if they are available, even though this fruit is not part of their natural diet. Bananas are a high-energy food source that deer readily eat, especially in areas where natural forage is scarce. Their opportunistic feeding behavior means they are willing to try new foods, and the pleasant aroma and taste of bananas are strong attractants. However, consuming bananas is not a healthy or appropriate addition to their diet.
The Typical Deer Diet
Deer are classified as ruminants, possessing a four-chambered stomach where microbes break down plant material. Unlike grazers, deer are “concentrate selectors” or browsers, meaning their digestive system is optimized for plants low in tough fiber. Their natural diet consists of highly nutritious items like forbs, tender tips of woody browse, soft mast (berries and fruits), and hard mast (nuts like acorns).
Their specialized digestive microbes process this high-protein, low-fiber forage, which changes seasonally. The health of the rumen relies on a consistent intake of fibrous material to function properly. This natural feeding pattern ensures a balanced intake of nutrients required for seasonal demands, such as building fat reserves for winter survival.
Deer’s Attraction to Bananas
Deer are attracted to bananas due to the fruit’s high sugar content and soft texture. Foods rich in simple sugars are eagerly sought out, often overriding their natural selectivity. A single medium banana contains 14 to 15 grams of sugar, a concentrated burst of energy not typical in their natural forage. The fruit’s softness is appealing because deer lack upper incisor teeth and rely on a dental pad to tear and chew food.
Deer often consume both the fruit and the peel, though the fruit is preferred due to its sweetness. While the peel is not toxic, its tough, high-fiber composition is difficult for the deer’s digestive system to process. Deer readily consume overripe or rotten bananas, which have a pungent, sweet aroma that draws them in.
Safety and Practical Feeding Considerations
Feeding high-sugar, non-native foods like bananas poses significant health risks because the deer’s digestive system is not equipped to handle concentrated carbohydrates. A rapid dietary change disrupts the balance of microorganisms in the rumen, leading to a condition called acidosis. This occurs when an overload of sugar causes a rapid explosion of lactic acid-producing bacteria, which kills beneficial microbes and damages the stomach lining.
The resulting inflammation and ulcers prevent the deer from absorbing nutrients, causing the animal to starve with a full stomach. Wildlife experts strongly discourage feeding wild deer anything outside of their natural diet, as it can be fatal within 24 to 72 hours. Feeding also leads to habituation, causing deer to lose their natural fear of humans and concentrate in unnatural numbers, increasing the risk of disease transmission and vehicle collisions.
Deterring Deer
To deter deer from consuming bananas or other garden produce, physical barriers are the most effective method. This includes installing a fence at least 7 to 8 feet high, as deer are capable jumpers. Scent-based deterrents can also be used to discourage browsing, capitalizing on the deer’s keen sense of smell. Hanging bars of strongly scented soap or applying commercial repellents that use scents like putrescent egg solids can make an area unappealing to a foraging deer. Rotating different deterrent methods is necessary to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single approach.