Do Rabbits Eat Strawberry Plants? How to Protect Them

By Emma Thompson · May 1, 2025

Rabbits do eat strawberry plants, including the leaves, stems, fruits, and even blossoms. They are particularly attracted to the tender foliage and sweet berries, often causing significant damage in gardens.

Why Rabbits Are Attracted to Strawberry Plants

Rabbits are herbivores with a natural preference for soft, leafy greens and sweet vegetation. Strawberry plants provide both nutritional value and palatable texture, making them a favored snack.

Nutritional Appeal of Strawberries to Rabbits

High water content keeps rabbits hydrated
Natural sugars offer quick energy
Rich in vitamin C and fiber, beneficial in moderation
Tender leaves are easy to chew and digest

Signs Your Strawberry Plants Are Being Eaten by Rabbits

If you're noticing unexplained damage to your garden, look for these common indicators:

Clean, diagonal cuts on stems and leaves (a hallmark of rabbit gnawing)
Missing fruit or partially eaten berries at ground level
Small, round droppings near the base of plants
Tracks or faint trails leading from bushes or burrows
Damaged plants typically occur in early morning or evening

Comparative Feeding Behavior: Rabbits vs. Other Garden Pests

Pest	Part of Plant Eaten	Time of Activity	Typical Damage Pattern	Defensive Strategy
Rabbit	Leaves, stems, fruit, blossoms	Dawn & dusk	Clean 45° cuts; scattered nibbling	Fencing (>2 ft high, 6 in buried)
Deer	Fruit, leaves, entire plants	Dawn, dusk, night	Ragged, torn edges	8-ft fencing or repellents
Slugs/Snails	Fruit, lower leaves	Night	Irregular holes, slime trails	Copper tape, diatomaceous earth
Birds	Fruit only	Daytime	Punctured or missing berries	Netting
Voles	Roots, runners, bark	Night	Plants collapse; underground damage	Underground fencing, traps

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that rabbits uniquely consume multiple parts of the strawberry plant and leave clean-cut damage, distinguishing them from pests like slugs or deer. Effective identification leads to targeted prevention strategies.

Unlike birds that only eat fruit, rabbits threaten the entire plant’s viability by consuming foliage and runners essential for propagation.

How to Protect Strawberry Plants from Rabbits

Physical Barriers

Install wire mesh fencing at least 2 feet high and bury 6 inches underground to prevent digging
Use individual plant protectors or cloches for young plants
Employ netting secured with stakes to cover entire beds

Natural Repellents

Apply predator urine (e.g., fox or coyote) around perimeter monthly
Spray garlic or hot pepper solution weekly, especially after rain
Plant deterrent species like marigolds, lavender, or chives nearby

Cultural Practices

Elevate strawberry beds above ground level
Remove brush piles and tall grasses where rabbits hide
Avoid overwatering, which attracts rodents and softens soil for burrowing

Do Rabbit Damages Pose Long-Term Risks to Strawberry Gardens?

Yes. Repeated feeding can destroy runners needed for plant propagation and reduce yields significantly. Young plants may not survive defoliation, and blossom loss directly impacts fruit production. Chronic infestations require persistent management to ensure garden sustainability.

FAQ About Rabbits and Strawberry Plants

Will rabbits kill my strawberry plants?

Yes, if they consume all the leaves or damage the crown, the plant may not recover. Repeated browsing weakens plants and reduces fruit output over time.

What time of day do rabbits eat strawberry plants?

Rabbits typically feed during dawn and dusk. These crepuscular patterns mean damage often appears overnight or early in the morning.

Are strawberry fruits safe for rabbits to eat?

Yes, in moderation. Strawberries are safe and nutritious treats for rabbits but should be given sparingly due to high sugar content to avoid digestive issues.

Can I use coffee grounds to keep rabbits away from strawberries?

Coffee grounds may help deter rabbits due to their strong smell, but evidence is anecdotal. For better results, combine with physical barriers or commercial repellents.

What animals besides rabbits eat strawberry plants?

Deer, slugs, snails, birds (especially sparrows and starlings), and voles also feed on strawberry plants. Each leaves distinct signs, so proper identification is crucial for effective control.