What are the dangers of feeding deer?

Experts warn that feeding deer can attract the wrong kinds of animals, spread disease, and disrupt the deer's natural diet, as corn is a poor supplement that can cause digestive issues.

What do deer in Tennessee eat during different seasons?

In the late fall and winter, deer feed on acorns, bud tips, twigs, and dried plants. When food is scarce, they turn to berries from evergreen species like juniper.

Why do deer-vehicle collisions increase during the fall?

During deer breeding season, bucks become highly focused on mating and are less aware of their surroundings, making road crossings more frequent and hazardous.

Home / Environment / Experts Warn Against Feeding Deer to Avoid Risks and Spread of Disease

Experts Warn Against Feeding Deer to Avoid Risks and Spread of Disease

27 Oct

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Summary

Corn is poor deer feed, disrupting gut health and digestion
Deer turn to acorns, berries, and greenery for nutrition in different seasons
Deer-vehicle collisions spike during breeding season in the fall

Experts Warn Against Feeding Deer to Avoid Risks and Spread of Disease

As of October 27, 2025, state experts are advising people to be mindful about the risks of feeding deer, as it can attract the wrong kinds of animals and spread disease. Adam Edge, the deer program coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, explains that deer have a varied diet depending on the season and availability of food.

Corn, a common supplemental feed, is not recommended as it is low in nutrition and lacks essential protein for deer growth and lactation. While corn can provide a burst of energy during the winter, an increase in carbohydrates can disrupt the animal's gut chemistry and digestion, similar to giving children too many candy bars. This can even lead to fatal acidosis in some cases.

Instead, deer in Tennessee tend to feed on acorns, bud tips, twigs, and dried plants during the late fall and winter. Red oak acorns are high in fat and protein, while white oak acorns are lower in fat and protein but higher in carbohydrates. When food is scarce, deer will turn to berries from evergreen species like juniper.