Shedding Velvet
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), aka caribou in North America, are a species of deer with circumpolar distribution, native to Arctic, sub-Arctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America.
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers yearly beginning in March or April for males and May or June for females. As the antlers grow, they are covered in thick velvet, filled with blood vessels and spongy in texture. When the antlers are fully grown, the velvet is shed or rubbed off as seen in this male.
San Diego Zoo
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Shedding Velvet
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), aka caribou in North America, are a species of deer with circumpolar distribution, native to Arctic, sub-Arctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America.
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers yearly beginning in March or April for males and May or June for females. As the antlers grow, they are covered in thick velvet, filled with blood vessels and spongy in texture. When the antlers are fully grown, the velvet is shed or rubbed off as seen in this male.
San Diego Zoo
Conservation status: Vulnerable