Antlers, the impressive bony structures found on certain members of the deer family, are shed and regrown annually in a remarkable biological cycle. This process allows these animals to develop new, often larger, headgear each year.
The Antler Shedding and Regrowth Cycle
The shedding of antlers is a precisely orchestrated biological event. Specialized cells known as osteoclasts form at the pedicle, the bony attachment point on the skull. These osteoclasts begin to resorb bone tissue, weakening the connection between the antler and the pedicle. This weakening eventually leads to the antler detaching and falling off.
Antler shedding typically occurs in late winter to early spring, though the exact timing can vary by species, geographic location, age, and individual health. For instance, moose often shed earliest, from late November to late December, while white-tailed deer may shed between December and April, and elk usually from February to April. Following shedding, new antlers begin to grow almost immediately from the exposed pedicles. This rapid growth is supported by a covering of soft, vascular skin called “velvet,” which supplies blood and nutrients to the developing bone.
Antlers are among the fastest-growing tissues in the animal kingdom, with some species growing up to an inch per day during peak periods. Once the antlers reach their full size and calcify, the velvet dries up. The animal then rubs its antlers against trees and brush to remove the dead velvet, revealing the hardened antler beneath. This entire cycle, from shedding to full regrowth and hardening, repeats every year.
Antlers Versus Horns
Antlers and horns are fundamentally different structures. Antlers are composed entirely of bone and grow as an extension of the animal’s skull. They are a characteristic feature of the Cervidae family, which includes deer, elk, and moose. The only exception among cervids where both males and females typically grow antlers is the caribou (reindeer).
In contrast, horns are permanent structures found on members of the Bovidae family, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and antelope. Horns consist of a bony core that extends from the skull, covered by a sheath made of keratin. Unlike antlers, horns are never shed and continue to grow throughout an animal’s life. This fundamental difference in composition and annual renewal is important for understanding the unique biology of antlered animals.
What Happens to Shed Antlers
Once shed, antlers do not remain on the landscape indefinitely. They become a valuable resource within the ecosystem, particularly for various animals seeking essential minerals. Rodents, such as mice, squirrels, and porcupines, are frequent scavengers of shed antlers. They gnaw on the discarded bone to obtain calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals.
This gnawing also helps rodents wear down their continuously growing incisors. Other animals, including coyotes, bears, and even deer themselves, consume shed antlers. If not consumed by wildlife, shed antlers will eventually break down and decompose, returning their mineral content to the soil. This natural recycling highlights the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems.