What Animals Eat Apples - Appletastic!

The 4 pumpkins on my porch are protected by heavy security, including several wraps of fencing and wire mesh on top.

He’s not afraid the pumpkins will be stolen.

He was much less delighted when he came home one afternoon to find a squirrel had eaten the face off Jack.

The next year, we decided to wait until closer to Halloween to do the carving, just leaving the pumpkin whole.

Within hours, the local fox squirrels had shredded it.

So this year, the pumpkins are behind a fortress until Halloween night.

A lot of pumpkins are on display right now.

But animals love pumpkins.

The good news is that pumpkins – provided they aren’t painted or coated – are safe, nutritious and delicious for wildlife.

And wild animals love pumpkins.

Here I’ll take a look at ways animals enjoy pumpkins, from squirrels eating them to sand cats hiding in them, from your backyard to the zoo.

A deer snacking on a pumpkin.

Recycle Your Pumpkin for Wildlife

If nothing else, pumpkins are easily composted, feeding worms and microbes.

But they also can be turned into a variety of wildlife treats.

There are many resources online to help you with creative ideas, including a great list by the National Wildlife Federation.

In my experience, squirrels will be the first to lay claim to any pumpkin in your backyard.

In some communities, I see lots of intact, carved pumpkins decorating yards.

In others, it looks like the local pumpkins were subject to a chainsaw massacre, with parts strewn all over the lawn thanks to industrious and hungry squirrels.

But many other wild animals eat pumpkins, including porcupines, raccoons, opossums and deer.

Some question whether it’s a good idea to feed wildlife, a point well taken.

However, many of these species are animals already visiting the bird feeder.

So feeding a pumpkin or two is unlikely to pose any threat.

That said, if you live in an area frequented by bears, forego leaving pumpkins outside so as to not habituate the animals.

Many bird feeding sites note that birds love pumpkin seeds, in particular such backyard favorites as mockingbirds, cardinals and catbirds.

I should note that if I’m going to the trouble of roasting seeds, I’m probably going to eat them myself.

Another way to involve the bird life is turn the pumpkin into a recyclable feeder.

This can be as easy as cutting a pumpkin in half, hollowing it out and filling it with seeds.

Of course, if you have an inclination for crafts, you can find an endless variety of fun patterns and designs for pumpkin bird feeders online.

To repeat a familiar theme: The squirrels beat the birds to the seed.

You can also attract late-season butterflies by cutting up chunks of pumpkin and lying them out.

This could also work in attracting nocturnal moths, especially if you mixed pulpy pumpkin with beer and brown sugar, then smear it all on a tree.

You can get really creative when it comes to attracting wildlife with pumpkins.

Sheep and goats explore their enrichment pumpkin.

Pumpkin Enrichment

Zoos often provide pumpkins for animals as a novel way to provide enrichment.

Visitors might delight at otters playing with a pumpkin as a “pool toy” or observe primates figuring out how to “open” a pumpkin to get at food inside.

To learn more about how and why zoos utilize pumpkins, I talked to staff at Zoo Boise, my local zoological park and a leader in wildlife conservation efforts.

Zoo Boise places dozens of pumpkins each year in animal exhibits, to provide a variety of forms of enrichment.

“Enrichment can involve many forms of stimulation,” says Harry Peachey, Zoo Boise’s curator.

“Enrichment can offer animals mental or intellectual stimulation or appetite stimulation, or it could stimulate one or more of the animal’s senses.”

Like humans, animals love novelty.

A pumpkin is something new for the animal to interact with, and the zoo uses pumpkins in almost endless ways.

“Anytime we offer enrichment, we go through a full review process,” says Melissa Wade, assistant curator at Zoo Boise.

We observe the animals and how they interact.

If the animal doesn’t react to the pumpkin at all, we want to make sure it’s because they aren’t scared.”

A sand cat at the Boise Zoo.

But for most animals, pumpkins are welcome.

The zoo received the pumpkins this year as donations from a supermarket (it doesn’t take pumpkin donations from individuals).

Rodents enjoy gnawing on the pumpkins and eating them, while carnivores treat them basically like a ball.

On the day I called, a ground hornbill had just thoroughly dismantled its pumpkin, a not-unusual occurrence.

The reaction to the pumpkins can vary.

Peachey used to work with elephants, and he noted that most of the animals just ignored pumpkins.

“Then we put in a 1,000-pound pumpkin that had won the giant pumpkin contest in Ohio,” he says.

A North American porcupine enjoying a pumpkin.

Contents hide

And if the animal doesn’t eat the pumpkins?

Have you decided to feed some pumpkins to these cute animals?

In Summary – What Animals Eat Pumpkins?

Do deer eat pumpkins?

What Animals Eat Pumpkins – can you think of anymore?

And if the animal doesn’t eat the pumpkins?

“If our animals don’t get to the pumpkins,” says Jeff Agosta, Zoo Boise marketing and public relations coordinator.

Of course, having pumpkins in with the animals also resonates with visitors, especially kids.

They’re in full-on Halloween mode, and to see a lion or hornbill playing with a pumpkin is, well, a treat.

This week, for instance, many kids got to see a sand cat hiding inside a pumpkin.

“We want to connect our community with wildlife and for them to embrace conservation,” says Agosta.

“When they see a sand cat interacting with a pumpkin, it’s no longer a species.

They’re seeing the animal as an individual.

And hopefully that empathy leads them to that next step of wanting to protect wild animals.”

Published on October 26, 2021

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Gail Mershon says:

Also, wonderful photos and information about pumpkin-love among wild animals!

Thank you for your support and for reading Cool Green Science!

I am glad you enjoyed the story, and many thanks for recommending our site!

Patricia Mayfield says:

This wonderful embedded Halloween video was an added bonus.

Matt Miller says:

October 28, 2021

It’s not just humans who enjoy Halloween!

Animals love the holidays, and the main reason for that is the delicious fruit we use for anything from decoration to desserts.

What animals eat pumpkins is a great question!

So many creatures love to feast on this fantastic and nutritious fruit, especially on the sweet pulp of the pumpkin and the rich protein seeds.

In this article, you will find out some of the most popular animals that also love to eat pumpkins.

Table of Contents

List of Animals That Eat PumpkinsRabbitsFoxesMiceSquirrelsDeerChickensIn Summary – What Animals Eat Pumpkins?

List of Animals That Eat Pumpkins

Scientific Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus

These cute little animals are one species that enjoy feeding on pumpkins.

It does not matter if it is a wild rabbit or a pet.

They will love the sweet flesh of the fruit.

A standard rabbit can easily enjoy a pumpkin, but you have to be very careful what you give them.

The soft sugary flesh of the fruit and the leaves are delicate and can be easily fed to rabbits.

However, you have to be careful about the guts and the seeds as they are hard to digest, and the bunny can check on them.

Aside from that, pay attention to how much pumpkin they eat, as they are wrong with sugars, and getting too much of this sweet fruit will be bad for their health.

When feeding any rabbit pumpkin, make sure it is not cooked.

That is why they keep their food raw, and if you cook the fruit, better make it in a pumpkin pie.

Scientific Name: Vulpes

Foxes are omnivorous animals that often prefer to feast on meat.

That, however, does not mean that they do not eat fruits or veggies.

With that being said, you can assume that they also enjoy some sweets from time to time – pumpkins.

When it comes to how they eat it, we can say that they focus on the sugary meat of the pumpkin.

They do not eat the rind or the seeds, guts, or leaves.

With that being said, it is not uncommon for them to eat on a cracked pumpkin they find or the people to throw out some Halloween leftovers.

If, by chance, you keep a pet fox or have one frequently visiting your backyard and have decided to feed it some pumpkin.

In addition, it will be a good idea to clean the fruit beforehand.

Get rid of the unnecessary parts that the animal obviously will not eat.

In some cases, you can even boil the pumpkin for a bit (without adding anything additional).

Scientific Name: Mus musculus

Mice are one of these animals that will eat anything they can find appetizing, and pumpkins are something they will munch on.

When it comes to eating the fruit, the rodents prefer the tender parts of the inside.

They will rarely feast on the rind and focus on the soft flesh and the pumpkin seeds ( especially if there are cracked ones).

That being said, feeding your pet rat or mice some raw pumpkin flesh and seeds is fine.

But, suppose you wonder about the ones in the wild.

If mice in the wild find out you have an unguarded pumpkin garden, they will likely try to numb some of the fruits.

It is a common problem with some farmers and gardeners as these little animals bite on multiple pumpkins to get what they want and leave a ruined fruit.

This is also why many people take precautions against them ( positioning a cat in the field).

The best advice you can get is for your pet – give it pumpkin in a moderate quantity.

For the wild ones, if they pester your garden – owls, repellents, or cats – pick a choice, and good luck!

Scientific Name: Sciuridae

Similar to mice and other rodents, squirrels can eat pumpkins.

So if you happen to have a split-over, well-ripened pumpkin in your garden, be sure that a passerby squirrel will find it and take a bite.

No part of the pumpkin is toxic for squirrels, or they will not eat it.

For example, if you throw the rind, aka the pumpkin’s skin, outside the backyard, it will not be a surprise to see a squirrel munching on it.

They also eat the brain where the seeds are, the sweet flesh, the stem, leaves, ribs, and even the vines of the fruit.

These small animals will eat their fill of the fruit!

While these creatures love and can eat pumpkin every day, it is essential to note that it is not to feed them the fruit often.

Like with the previous animals, that is because too many vitamins or food is never good for them.

Secondly, if you provide them with only pumpkin, they will not look for other food, which will lead to a lack of other nutrients they need and will harden their lives.

It is good to give them a treat if you want, but do not overdo it!

Read Also: List of Animals That Eat Corn

Scientific Name: Cervidae

Type of Animal: Mammal

Another great animal that loves eating pumpkins is the deer.

Deer actually adore this fruit; they will feast on them and have no problem cracking one and eating the whole fruit as they can eat all parts of it, from the leaves to the guts.

The favorite part of the fruit is precisely the guts.

Deer love it, and it is full of vitamins and suitable for their health.

The other factors are also something they will not pass on, especially if the fruit has flowers – they like them!

If you have excessive pumpkins or want to throw some leftovers, give them to the animal!

Have you decided to feed some pumpkins to these cute animals?

First, it is essential to start by cracking this nutritious fruit and splitting it open.

Then, while cutting the fruit is already good enough, we suggest you leave the stem and the leaves partially to the fruit so the deer can use them to smash the fruit on the ground and help themselves further.

It is important to note that overdoing the feeding part will not be favorable for their health, similar to the previous animals!

In Summary – What Animals Eat Pumpkins?

Many wild and domestic animals can eat pumpkins, from chickens and rabbits to squirrels, deer, and foxes.

This fruit is highly nutritious in protein, calcium, and many vitamins, and on top of that, it has this sweet flavor to it, which makes the animals love it.

The important thing is to note how you feed these animals.

If you liked this type of post, here’s a recommendation of another popular read: Frugivore Animals

https://www.livescience.com/28182-squirrels.html

https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/deer-diet.php

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/08/what-foxes-eat/

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/what-do-chickens-eat/

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/diet

https://www.terminix.com/rodents/rats/diet/

Prepare to be amazed as we explore the amazing world of animal pumpkin lovers!

From the unexpected to the downright quirky, we’ve got a lineup of creatures that will leave you scratching your head and saying, “Who knew?!”

So, sit back, grab a slice of pumpkin pie, and let’s discover which animals have a taste for the orange gourd that has become a staple of the fall season.

Contents

Field mice are fascinating creatures that have captivated people for generations.

Despite their small size, field mice are extremely adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from fields and forests to suburban backyards.

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They are also incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding food, and are known to nibble on a wide range of items, including seeds, fruits, insects, and even small vertebrates.

During Halloween season, mice adore pumpkins that have already been carved because they become sweeter and tastier as they mature or disintegrate.

They also make their way into the uncarved pumpkins to get the high-protein seeds that are also high in fiber and energy; high-energy foods are a wonderful source of food for the winter.

These charming creatures are not just cute, but also highly adaptable, making them a familiar sight in both rural and urban environments.

They have been known to munch on a variety of vegetation, including clovers, dandelions, and even the occasional pumpkin!

White-tailed deer are majestic creatures that roam the forests and fields of North America.

With their distinctive white tails and graceful movements, they are a common sight for many people and have become an iconic symbol of the great outdoors.

While they are typically known for their love of tender shoots and leafy greens, they are also quite versatile in their dietary habits.

White-tailed deer have been known to sample a variety of vegetation, including acorns, apples, and even pumpkins!

It’s amazing to think that these elegant creatures can feast on a gourd that is typically associated with Halloween decorations and fall festivities.

Red foxes are cunning and graceful creatures that roam the forests and fields of the world.

With their vibrant red fur and piercing eyes, they have become one of the most recognizable and beloved animals on the planet.

Despite their reputation as skilled hunters, red foxes are actually omnivores and have a varied diet that includes a mix of small prey, fruits, and vegetables.

While they are often associated with a diet that includes rabbits and squirrels, they have also been known to sample a variety of vegetation, including berries and even pumpkins.

With their distinctive yellow and black shells, they are a familiar sight for many people and are widely considered one of the most beautiful tortoise species.

Despite their slow pace, leopard tortoises are incredibly resilient and are well adapted to life in the African wilderness.

These animals have a varied diet that consists of grasses, leaves, and even fruits and vegetables.

While they are often associated with a diet that includes tough, fibrous vegetation, they have also been known to sample a variety of soft and juicy plants, including pumpkins.

Raccoons are fascinating and highly adaptable creatures that are native to North America.

They are best known for their distinctive black masks and agile, human-like hands, which they use to forage for food.

Despite their reputation as pests, raccoons are actually omnivores and have a diverse diet that includes a range of foods, from insects and small prey to fruits, nuts, and even garbage.

They are not picky eaters and will sample almost anything they come across, including pumpkins.

Raccoons are known to be quite crafty and resourceful, and their ability to adapt to different environments has allowed them to thrive in both rural and urban areas.

So, the next time you spot a raccoon, remember that they are not just pests, but also fascinating creatures that are full of surprises.

They come in a variety of species, each with its own distinctive features and habits.

Despite their reputation as fierce predators, bears are actually omnivores and have a diet that includes both plants and animals.

They are known to be opportunistic eaters and will sample almost anything they come across, including fruits, nuts, and even human food.

Bears have a remarkable sense of smell and will go to great lengths to find food, especially during the fall when they are busy fattening up for winter.

Their reputation as eating machines is well earned – goats are known for nibbling on just about anything they can get their mouths on, from tree bark to clothing!

But beyond just being voracious eaters, goats also play a crucial role in many ecosystems by helping to control invasive plant species and improving soil health through their grazing and manure.

Whether they are found on a farm, in the wild, or even in urban areas, goats always seem to bring a sense of playful fun and adventurous spirit wherever they go.

Squirrels are acrobatic and energetic creatures that are known for their agility and resourcefulness.

They are found in many different regions across the world and are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats, from city parks to dense forests.

While they are often associated with a diet of nuts and seeds, squirrels are actually omnivores and have a diverse diet that includes a range of plant and animal-based foods.

Due to their opportunistic nature, they will consume practically anything they come across, including human food and fruits and berries.

In reality, it’s not unusual to witness squirrels munching on pumpkins, particularly during the months of autumn when they are busy storing up food for winter.

Moose are majestic and awe-inspiring creatures that roam the forests and wetlands of the northern hemisphere.

With their distinctive appearance and impressive size, moose are a symbol of wilderness and the power of nature.

Despite their gentle and solitary nature, moose are formidable animals that are equipped with powerful body, sharp senses, and a formidable set of antlers.

They are known for their diet of vegetation, including leaves, twigs, and bark, but are also known to enjoy a range of other plant-based foods, such as aquatic plants, shrubs, and even pumpkins.

Whether they are wandering through a peaceful forest, crossing a babbling stream, or simply standing in a field, moose always evoke a sense of wonder and majesty.

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are burrowing mammals that are found throughout North America.

These chubby, rotund animals are well-known for their role in predicting the arrival of spring, as well as for their reputation as garden pests.

Despite their reputation for eating plants and vegetables, groundhogs are actually omnivores and have a varied diet that includes everything from roots and fruits to insects and small animals.

Despite their sedentary and solitary nature, groundhogs are fascinating creatures with unique biology and an important role in their ecosystems.

Cows are an integral part of agriculture and human history, having been domesticated for thousands of years for their milk, meat, and hides.

These gentle giants are known for their docile and curious nature, and for their distinctive mooing that has become synonymous with the countryside.

They are able to eat a wide range of forages, including grasses, hay, and even pumpkins, and are able to convert these foods into nutritious milk, meat, and other products that are essential to human survival.

Horses are magnificent animals that have been a part of human history for thousands of years.

From their role as workhorses on the farm, to their use as riding animals in transportation and recreation, horses have been an important part of human culture and civilization.

With their powerful and graceful bodies, their intelligent and curious minds, and their gentle and affectionate personalities, horses are truly amazing creatures.

They are herbivores and have a natural diet that consists of grasses, grains, and hay, but they are also known to enjoy a variety of other foods, including pumpkins.

In conclusion, pumpkins are not just for Halloween decoration or pie filling, but also nutritious food for various animals, from field mice to horses.

These animals have unique ways of obtaining and eating pumpkins, showcasing their diverse diets and behaviors.

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If you are growing fruits for Fall you might want to know what animals eat pumpkins!

Pumpkins are extremely popular with a large range of animals and other insects who love to have a munch or graze at your lovely pumpkin patch.

Humans love eating pumpkin so much, so you can hardly blame those animals who are intelligent enough to sneak some of the fruit while we aren’t looking!

If you are in the know about what pests and animals can attack or eat your pumpkins you can find ways to fend them off and protect your produce (and your dinner!).

What Animals Eat Pumpkins – Your Pet Rabbits Might!

We know how kids love their adorable bunny rabbits but sometimes they might not close their pen properly.

This is bad news if your pet rabbit gets out of it’s pen and finds your pumpkins.

We already know one of their other favorite foods is bright orange, carrots!

Make sure they do not get a chance to add pumpkins to their list!

They tend to prefer vines and pumpkins when they are smaller so they will destroy your patch before it gets a chance to get established and it will be too late to plant anymore seeds.

Find out what part of pumpkin can rabbits eat

Other Small Animals Eat Pumpkins Too

Do not be fooled into thinking mice only eat cheese!

In fact they love fruits like pumpkins.

Mice will love to nibble on carved pumpkins.

When you are checking your produce for any signs of pests make sure you look inside as mice are small enough to fit!

Squirrels Eat Pumpkins

Yep squirrels are one of those animals that eat pumpkins, whether they are still growing in your pumpkin patch or whether they are freshly carved at your back door.

How long carved pumpkins last may be a very short period of time if these animals get anywhere near your Jack O Lantern.

They will keep going until they reach the seeds, as we all know they love these!

Fortunately I have found a list of things to help you keep squirrels away from pumpkins!

It is important to note that these techniques will not cause the squirrels any long term harm, well apart from startling them and leaving them a little hungry!

However if your pumpkin is fermented it will leave the squirrel a tad tipsy!!

Other Wildfire That Eat Pumpkins

Do deer eat pumpkins?

It does not matter how giant your pumpkins are they will still eat them!!

I have watched videos of deer happily eating pumpkins.

Foxes and Badgers – foxes are always running wild in the fields beside me chasing sheep and chickens.

As well as being partial to some meat they love a fruity snack like pumpkin!

Do raccoons eat pumpkins is a question people always ask me.

I personally have never seen them do so but if you find some raccoon droppings near your half eaten fruits there is a good chance they are another animal that eats pumpkins.

Farm Animals Eat Pumpkins Too

We have lots of cows in the field beside us and we have had to put up a high wire fence.

When we had a lower fence the cows were able to get their heads over and bend down and nibble the top of our pumpkins and the vines, not good at all!!

If you live near any wildlife or farm animals I would suggest you take steps to protect your pumpkin patch as soon as possible before any damage is done.

Recap of what animals and pets like pumpkins

Pets – rabbits and mice

Wild Life – squirrels, deer,

Farm Animals

Of course there are insects and other pests that can also harm your growing pumpkins!

What animals can’t eat pumpkin

We know what animals can eat pumpkin so how about the ones that do not eat pumpkin!

Carnivores, that is animals that only eat meat do not eat pumpkin!