Mary Allen
Which Animals Eat Cherries?
Cherries are a delicious summer fruit that humans enjoy, but they are also a popular snack for many animals. Birds and mammals, as well as insects and even rodents, all have a taste for cherries. Knowing which animals eat cherries can help farmers and gardeners protect their crops from these hungry creatures.
Birds That Feast on Cherries
Many bird species love to eat cherries, including robins, cedar waxwings, and starlings. These birds are attracted to the bright color and sweetness of cherries. They may also be drawn to the fruit’s high water content on hot summer days. Unfortunately, these feathered friends can cause significant damage to cherry crops, especially when they feed in large flocks.
Mammals That Enjoy Cherries
Mammals are also big fans of cherries, especially bears and raccoons. Black bears, in particular, are known to raid cherry orchards, eating as many as 20,000 cherries in a single day. Other mammals that enjoy cherries include foxes, coyotes, and skunks. These animals may also climb into cherry trees to feast on the fruit or dig up cherries that have fallen to the ground.
A List of Fruit-Loving Bears
Black bears are not the only bears that enjoy cherries. Grizzly bears, brown bears, and polar bears have all been known to eat cherries when they are available. These bears have a sweet tooth and will eat many types of fruit, including apples, berries, and plums. In the wild, these bears will forage for food, but they may also raid orchards and gardens if they are hungry.
Rodents That Snack on Cherries
Rodents are notorious for eating fruits and vegetables, and cherries are no exception. Squirrels, chipmunks, and mice are all known to eat cherries. These small animals may nibble on the fruit or take whole cherries back to their burrows to eat later. While these rodents may not cause significant damage to cherry crops, they can be a nuisance for gardeners.
The Cherry-Eating Capabilities of Squirrels
Squirrels are perhaps the most well-known cherry-eating rodents. These agile creatures are excellent climbers and can easily scale cherry trees to get to the fruit. Squirrels may also eat cherries that have fallen to the ground. While squirrels are not a significant threat to cherry crops, they can cause damage to trees by gnawing on branches and bark.
The Surprising Cherries in a Deer’s Diet
Deer are not typically thought of as cherry eaters, but these animals will eat the fruit if it is available. Cherries are not a significant part of a deer’s diet, but they may eat them if they are hungry. Deer may also eat cherry leaves and bark, which can be harmful to the tree. To protect cherry trees from deer damage, gardeners may need to use fencing or repellents.
Insects That Devour Cherry Trees
Insects can also be a threat to cherry trees. Cherry fruit flies, for example, can lay their eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot. Other pests that can damage cherry trees include aphids, mites, and borers. These insects can weaken the tree and reduce its fruit yield. To protect cherry trees from insect damage, gardeners may need to use pesticides or other control methods.
The Role of Bees in Cherry Production
Bees are essential for pollinating cherry trees and ensuring a good fruit yield. Without bees, cherry trees would not produce fruit. Bees are attracted to cherry blossoms and the sweet nectar they contain. As bees move from flower to flower, they transfer pollen, which helps fertilize the trees. Gardeners can encourage bees to visit their cherry trees by planting other flowering plants nearby.
How Cherries Attract Fruit Flies
Cherries are not only attractive to birds, mammals, and insects but also to fruit flies. These pests are drawn to the sweetness of the fruit and can quickly infest a crop. Fruit flies can be a significant problem for cherry growers, as they can cause the fruit to rot and become unusable. To prevent fruit fly infestations, growers may use traps, repellents, or other control methods.
Do Monkeys Eat Cherries?
Monkeys are not typically found in cherry orchards, but some species may eat cherries if they are available. For example, macaques in Japan have been known to steal cherries from gardens and orchards. Other monkey species may also eat cherries if they live in areas where the fruit grows. However, monkeys are not a significant threat to cherry crops, as they are not typically found in large numbers in orchard areas.
Conclusion: Who Eats Cherries and Why
Cherries are a favorite food for many animals, including birds, mammals, insects, and rodents. These creatures are drawn to the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit. While some animals, such as bears and birds, can cause significant damage to cherry crops, others, like deer and squirrels, are more of a nuisance. Protecting cherry trees from pests and predators can be challenging, but there are many methods available, from fencing and repellents to pesticides and traps. With a little effort, gardeners and farmers can enjoy a bountiful cherry harvest each year.