Pineapples are a beloved tropical fruit. Many cultivate them and wonder what animals are attracted to this produce. Understanding which creatures consume pineapples helps growers protect their plants. This article explores the animals that find pineapples appealing, from wild foragers to garden pests.
Animals in Natural Habitats
In their native regions, pineapples are a food source for various wild animals. Primates, like monkeys, eat pineapples, using their dexterity to peel the tough exterior. Bats are also drawn to the strong, sweet scent of ripe fruit.
Rodents, including rats and squirrels, are attracted to the sweetness and water content, which provides hydration and energy. Wild ancestral forms of pineapple sustained these and other animals like tapirs and large parrots.
Common Garden and Farm Pests
When grown in gardens or on farms, pineapples become targets for pests. Raccoons are a common nuisance, using their agility and sense of smell to access ripe pineapples, drawn by the strong fragrance. Squirrels chew through the skin to reach the flesh.
Deer may occasionally feed on the fruit if the outer layer is compromised or other food is scarce. Birds, especially those with strong beaks, can peck holes in ripening pineapples, damaging them before harvest. Insects like mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, and fruit borers can infest plants, feeding on sap or damaging the fruit.
Protecting Your Pineapple Plants
Protecting pineapple plants from animal damage requires proactive strategies as the fruit ripens. Physical barriers are effective; enclosing individual ripening pineapples with mesh bags, chicken wire, or plastic jugs deters larger animals and birds.
For a single plant, cutting the top and bottom from a milk jug and placing it over the developing fruit allows it to grow within the enclosure. For multiple plants, a larger enclosure of chicken wire around the patch provides comprehensive protection. Anchor these barriers firmly to prevent animals from pushing them aside.
Scent-based deterrents can also be used, though they require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Harvesting pineapples as they begin to turn yellow reduces the window of opportunity for pests, as the fruit continues to ripen indoors.
Nutritional and Safety Aspects
Pineapple offers nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, and high water content, making it a hydrating food source. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme complex. These aspects make pineapple appealing to animals.
For household pets like dogs, fresh, raw pineapple can be a safe treat in moderation, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the tough, spiky skin and fibrous core should always be removed due to choking hazards or intestinal blockages.
Canned pineapple or juice often contain added sugars, not recommended for pets due to potential digestive upset. The fruit’s natural acidity and sugar content mean even fresh pineapple should be offered sparingly to avoid stomach upset.