The deer are just getting started growing their antlers, and some, like this buck, have a better start than others. Fluctuations in hormone levels trigger the annual growth and eventual shedding of antlers. The amount of calcium and phosphorous that deer and elk have to consume, absorb, and deposit to grow a complete set of antlers in a relatively short period of time each year is amazing to me. I hope to find this guy again this fall to see what the finished product looks like.
1 comment:
Cool photo. Wish I could reach out and touch that velvet. It is amazing that deer and elk can grow such a big and hard substance on their head so quickly each year just to have it fall off each spring.
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