Introduction
March 26, 2025
Mangoes, with their sweet, juicy flesh, are a tropical delight loved by humans worldwide—but have you ever wondered what wild animal will eat mango in New England? This region, known for its chilly winters and lush forests, isn’t exactly a natural home for mango trees.
Yet, with gardening enthusiasts and fruit lovers occasionally bringing exotic treats like mangoes into their backyards, it’s worth exploring which local wildlife might take a bite. New England’s diverse animal population includes plenty of curious critters, and some might just find this tropical fruit irresistible if given the chance.
In this article, we’ll dive into the wildlife of New England—think squirrels, raccoons, and even bears—and examine their diets, behaviors, and likelihood of munching on a mango. We’ll also consider why mangoes aren’t native here, how animals might encounter them, and what makes this fruit so appealing to certain species.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a gardener, or just someone curious about the intersection of tropical treats and northern wildlife, this guide will shed light on this quirky question. Let’s get started!
Why Mangoes Aren’t Native to New England
Before we identify which animals might snack on mangoes, it’s important to understand why this fruit isn’t a common sight in New England. Mangoes (Mangifera indica) thrive in warm, tropical climates like those found in India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Central America.
New England, spanning states like Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, has a temperate climate with cold winters and short summers—conditions that mango trees simply can’t handle. The growing season here isn’t long or warm enough to support these heat-loving plants naturally.
That said, mangoes can still make their way to New England through grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or even experimental gardeners using greenhouses. If a mango ends up discarded in a backyard or compost pile, it could catch the attention of local wildlife. So, while mangoes won’t grow wild in this region, the possibility of animals encountering them isn’t entirely far-fetched.
The Appeal of Mangoes to Animals
What makes mangoes so tempting? For starters, they’re packed with sugar, offering a quick energy boost to any creature that takes a nibble. They’re also rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and water—nutrients that appeal to a wide range of animals.
The bright orange flesh and sweet scent can draw in opportunistic feeders, especially those already accustomed to eating fruits like apples or berries. In the wild, animals often seek out sugary treats when they’re available, so a mango could be a rare delicacy for New England’s fauna.
Wild Animals in New England That Might Eat Mangoes
New England is home to a variety of wildlife, from small scavengers to larger omnivores. Let’s explore some of the most likely candidates that might enjoy a mango if they stumbled across one.
1. Eastern Gray Squirrels
Squirrels are everywhere in New England—scampering up trees, raiding bird feeders, and foraging for snacks. These little acrobats are primarily herbivores, with a diet heavy on nuts, seeds, and fruits. They’re known to munch on apples, berries, and even garden tomatoes when they can get their paws on them.
A mango’s sweetness would likely be a hit with squirrels, especially if it’s ripe and juicy. Picture a squirrel perched on a branch, nibbling away at a discarded mango—it’s not hard to imagine!
2. Raccoons
Raccoons are the ultimate opportunists. These masked bandits roam New England’s forests, suburbs, and cities, eating almost anything they can find. Their diet includes fruits, nuts, insects, and even human leftovers.
Raccoons have nimble paws and a keen sense of smell, making them experts at sniffing out something as aromatic as a mango. If you left a mango in your backyard overnight, a raccoon might just be the one to claim it.
3. White-Tailed Deer
Deer might not be the first animal that comes to mind, but these graceful herbivores are common across New England and have a taste for fruit. They’re known to eat apples, pears, and berries when they find them in orchards or forests.
While deer typically browse on leaves, twigs, and grasses, a fallen mango could tempt them, especially in late summer or fall when they’re bulking up for winter. Their height and reach might even allow them to snag one from a low greenhouse shelf!
4. Black Bears
Black bears roam the wilder parts of New England, like the forests of Maine and New Hampshire. These omnivores love fruit—berries are a staple of their diet in late summer. A mango’s sugary goodness would almost certainly appeal to a bear’s sweet tooth.
While bears are less likely to wander into suburban yards, a mango tossed into a compost pile near a wooded area could draw one in. Bears are powerful foragers, so they’d have no trouble cracking into the fruit, pit and all.
5. Opossums
Opossums, North America’s only marsupials, are nocturnal scavengers found throughout New England. They eat a mix of fruits, insects, and small animals, often rummaging through trash or gardens. A mango’s soft flesh would be an easy target for an opossum’s sharp teeth. These critters aren’t picky, so if they found a mango, they’d likely gobble it up without hesitation.
6. Birds (Robins, Blue Jays, and Crows)
New England’s bird population is diverse, and many species enjoy fruit. American robins, blue jays, and crows are all known to peck at berries and apples. A mango’s soft texture and bright color could attract these birds, especially if it’s been cut open or left exposed. Robins might take small bites, while crows—being clever and adaptable—could figure out how to get at the juicy interior.
7. Rodents (Mice and Chipmunks)
Smaller mammals like field mice and chipmunks also inhabit New England. These tiny foragers love seeds and fruits, often stashing them away for later. A mango might be too big for them to carry whole, but they’d happily nibble at the edges or feast on scraps left by larger animals.
How Might Animals Encounter Mangoes in New England?
Since mangoes don’t grow naturally here, wild animals would only eat them under specific circumstances. Here are a few scenarios:
- Gardens and Greenhouses: Some adventurous gardeners grow mango trees indoors or in heated greenhouses. If fruit falls or is discarded outside, wildlife could find it.
- Compost Piles: Homeowners composting mango peels or pits might unknowingly attract scavengers like raccoons or opossums.
- Human Activity: Picnics, outdoor meals, or carelessly tossed fruit could leave mangoes accessible to curious critters.
While these encounters are rare, they’re plausible—especially in suburban areas where human food overlaps with wildlife habitats.
Why Some Animals Might Skip Mangoes
Not every New England animal would go for a mango. Predators like foxes or bobcats, for instance, focus on meat and might ignore fruit unless desperate. The mango’s tough skin and large pit could also deter smaller creatures without the tools or strength to break through. Plus, unfamiliarity plays a role—animals used to local fruits like blueberries might not recognize a mango as food right away.
The Ecological Angle: Seed Dispersal
In tropical regions, animals like monkeys, bats, and birds eat mangoes and spread their seeds through droppings, helping the trees reproduce. In New England, this wouldn’t happen naturally since mangoes can’t grow in the wild here. However, if an animal like a squirrel or crow carried a mango pit away and left it somewhere, it’d just be a quirky footnote—not a new mango grove.
Experimenting in Your Backyard
Curious to see which animals in your area might like mangoes? Try this: Place a few mango chunks in a safe, open spot in your yard (away from pets or heavy human traffic). Watch from a distance or set up a trail camera to catch the action. You might spot a squirrel, raccoon, or even a bold bird stopping by for a taste. Just don’t leave food out too long to avoid attracting unwanted pests!
FAQs About Wild Animals and Mangoes in New England
1. Can mangoes grow naturally in New England?
No, mangoes need a warm, tropical climate and can’t survive New England’s cold winters or short growing season.
2. Which New England animal is most likely to eat a mango?
Raccoons are top candidates due to their adaptability, curiosity, and love for sweet foods.
3. Are mango pits safe for animals to eat?
The pit is tough and hard to digest, so most animals would avoid it or couldn’t break it down. Stick to offering the flesh.
4. Why don’t we see mangoes in the wild here?
New England’s temperate climate doesn’t support mango trees, which thrive in consistently warm, humid conditions.
5. How can I attract wildlife to try mangoes?
Place small pieces in your yard and observe from a distance—squirrels, birds, or raccoons might show up!
Conclusion
So, what wild animal will eat mango in New England? The answer depends on opportunity, but the top contenders are squirrels, raccoons, deer, bears, opossums, and fruit-loving birds like robins and crows. These adaptable creatures, already fond of sweet treats, would likely jump at the chance to try a mango if one crossed their path. While New England’s climate keeps mango trees at bay, its wildlife is curious and resourceful enough to enjoy this tropical fruit when humans bring it into the mix.
Next time you’re peeling a mango, consider sharing a piece with nature—just don’t be surprised if a raccoon beats the squirrels to it! Want to learn more about New England wildlife or fun food experiments? Keep reading for our call to action and FAQs.
