After a month or so absence, the deer have returned. So far the damage is minimal.
Do deer eat Rhubarb?
I have never had deer eat my rhubarb, no matter where I’ve lived. And I’ve always had deer wherever I’ve lived.
Also note that:
“Rhubarb leaves are toxic and humans should never ingest them. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health
Symptoms can include:
Breathing difficulty
Burning in the mouth
Burning in the throat
Coma
Diarrhea
Eye pain
Kidney stones
Nausea
Red-colored urine
Seizures
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Weakness
Severity is determined by Patient’s age, weight, and condition; Variety of rhubarb; Time it was swallowed before treatment; and Amount swallowed.
Serious poisonings can result in kidney failure. Deaths have been reported, but are rare.
Oregon State University Horticulture staff also support the recommendation to not eat rhubarb leaves because they are toxic to humans.
The stems are safe to eat.” (Thanks, Einstein, LOL!)