Male deer with growing antlers
Male deer, or bucks, grow and lose their antlers every year. The antlers begin growing in early spring and by late summer they are fully-grown.
During rut, bucks want to show their dominance. Their antlers are used during sparring matches with other bucks. Early in the season, these matches are nothing more than some pushing and shoving but by the peak of the breeding season, they can turn into full-blown fights.
After rut, the buck’s testosterone levels fall. This causes a weakening of the tissue and bone. The antlers simply fall off. There is no pain or discomfort to the animal. In a few weeks, the cycle begins again and new antlers will begin to grow.
Male deer with growing antlers
Male deer, or bucks, grow and lose their antlers every year. The antlers begin growing in early spring and by late summer they are fully-grown.
During rut, bucks want to show their dominance. Their antlers are used during sparring matches with other bucks. Early in the season, these matches are nothing more than some pushing and shoving but by the peak of the breeding season, they can turn into full-blown fights.
After rut, the buck’s testosterone levels fall. This causes a weakening of the tissue and bone. The antlers simply fall off. There is no pain or discomfort to the animal. In a few weeks, the cycle begins again and new antlers will begin to grow.