The act of deer rubbing their antlers on trees is known as antler velvet shedding. This behavior helps to remove the velvet-like covering that covers the antlers while they are growing. The velvet is shed each year typically in the late summer or early fall.
There are several reasons why deer may rub their antlers on trees. One reason is to relieve itchiness or discomfort. The velvet covering can be itchy as it is growing and rubbing against a tree can help to scratch that itch.
Another reason for antler velvet shedding is to remove the loose skin and hair that is left behind after the antlers have grown. This helps to keep the antlers clean and free of debris.
Finally antler velvet shedding may also be a way for deer to mark their territory. The scent of the antlers combined with the physical act of rubbing them on the trees can help to spread the deer’s scent and mark their territory. This can be especially important during the breeding season when bucks are trying to impress does.
Whatever the reasons for antler velvet shedding it is a behavior that is seen in many deer populations around the world. So if you see a deer rubbing its antlers on a tree don’t be alarmed – it’s just nature taking its course!
How do deer use their antlers?
Deer use their antlers for multiple purposes including for self-defense territorial disputes and to impress mates.
How often do deer shed their antlers?
Deer shed their antlers once a year and typically grow them back within a few months.
What are antlers made of?
Antlers are made of bone tissue and are one of the fastest-growing animal organs.
How do deer know when it’s time to shed their antlers?
Scientists aren’t entirely sure how deer know when it’s time to shed their antlers but it is thought to be controlled by hormones.
How do new antlers grow?
A soft covering called velvet covers new antlers as they grow.
The velvet is supplied with blood and helps the antlers grow quickly.
Do all deer have antlers?
No only male deer have antlers.
Female deer have antler buds but they never grow into full antlers.
How can you tell a deer’s age by its antlers?
Generally the older a deer is the larger its antlers will be.
What do deer use their antlers for?
Deer use their antlers for multiple purposes including for self-defense territorial disputes and to impress mates.
How do deer shed their antlers?
Deer shed their antlers once a year and typically grow them back within a few months.
What are antlers made of?
Antlers are made of bone tissue and are one of the fastest-growing animal organs.
How do deer know when it’s time to shed their antlers?
Scientists aren’t entirely sure how deer know when it’s time to shed their antlers but it is thought to be controlled by hormones.
How do new antlers grow?
A soft covering called velvet covers new antlers as they grow.
The velvet is supplied with blood and helps the antlers grow quickly.
Do all deer have antlers?
No only male deer have antlers.
Female deer have antler buds but they never grow into full antlers.
How can you tell a deer’s age by its antlers?
Generally the older a deer is the larger its antlers will be.
What other purposes do deer use their antlers for?
In addition to self-defense territorial disputes and impressing mates deer also use their antlers to help them find food.
