When gysy moth populations are low, predation by small mammals is the largest source of mortality. The most common predators are deer mice, Peromyscus spp. These animals predate on late instar larvae and pupae. Predation may also be affected by the availability of alternate prey items.
Small mammals are generalist predators and gypsy moths make up a small component of their diet.
There is no evidence that gypsy moth abundance affects small mammal abundance. Predation on gypsy moth life stages by birds generally appears low. The presence of extensive amounts of hair on body of the larva apparently makes them an undesirable food item for birds. White-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus.