Yes, deer generally consume watermelon rind, often viewing the discarded portion of the fruit as a readily available food source. This behavior is largely influenced by the rind’s high moisture content, which makes it particularly attractive during periods of drought or when natural forage is dry. While the sweet, red flesh is typically preferred, the tough outer layer is frequently eaten, especially when the deer’s diet is limited.
The Answer: Why Deer Consume Watermelon Rind
Deer are highly adaptable foragers, driven by an opportunistic feeding behavior that encourages them to sample novel foods in their environment. The bulky, firm texture of the watermelon rind represents an accessible food source, especially when preferred food sources like tender shoots or natural browse are scarce due to seasonal changes.
The high moisture content of the rind is a significant draw, serving as a rapid source of hydration. Watermelon rind is composed of over 90% water, making it a refreshing option during hot summer months when standing water sources may be limited or distant. While the rind lacks the intense sweetness of the inner fruit, its mild flavor does not deter a hungry deer, especially if it retains some sugary flesh.
Nutritional Profile and Digestibility
The watermelon rind is biologically distinct from the fruit’s pulp, possessing a nutritional composition that is primarily water, with a high concentration of dietary fiber. The rind contains low caloric density and a significant amount of crude fiber, largely in the form of cellulose. This structural carbohydrate gives the rind its characteristic tough texture and is the main component the deer’s digestive system must manage.
Deer are ruminants, meaning they possess a specialized four-chambered stomach, with the largest section being the rumen. The rumen houses a complex microbial community adapted to ferment and break down cellulose from plant matter. While these microbes can process the rind’s high-fiber content, it is not the most efficient source of energy. Digesting this bulky material requires considerable time and energy, making the rind a low-return food compared to nutrient-rich natural forage.
Safety Considerations for Wild Deer
Introducing processed human food scraps, such as watermelon rinds, carries specific risks for wild deer populations. A primary concern is the potential for chemical contamination, as rinds from commercially grown watermelons may carry residues of pesticides or herbicides on their outer surface. These chemicals, designed to protect the fruit from pests, can be concentrated on the skin and are toxic to wildlife, even in small doses.
Feeding large quantities of high-fiber or high-sugar scraps can severely disrupt the delicate balance of the rumen’s microbial ecosystem. When a deer consumes excessive easily digestible carbohydrates, such as residual sugar in the rind, it can lead to a rapid change in the rumen’s pH level. This sudden shift causes lactic acidosis, where the buildup of acid kills beneficial microbes. Lactic acidosis results in severe digestive distress, bloat, or even death if not quickly reversed.