Deer possess a biological characteristic: the annual shedding and regrowth of their antlers. Unlike horns, which are permanent bony outgrowths, antlers are shed and regrown each year. This process is a natural part of a buck’s life, linked to seasonal changes and reproductive biology.
The Annual Cycle of Antler Shedding
The shedding of antlers typically occurs in late winter or early spring. Timing varies based on the deer’s age, health, and nutritional status. For example, a restricted diet can cause bucks to shed earlier, and older, healthier bucks may shed sooner than younger or less healthy individuals.
The physiological process begins with a decrease in testosterone levels after the breeding season. This hormonal shift causes an abscission layer to form between the antler and the pedicle—the bony projection on the skull. As connective tissue in this layer dissolves, the antler loosens and detaches, either falling off naturally or being dislodged. This bone-to-bone bond degeneration is one of the fastest deteriorations of living tissue known in the animal kingdom.
From Shed to New Growth
After shedding, deer begin growing a new set. This regrowth is rapid, with antlers being among the fastest-growing tissues in the animal kingdom. During this phase, developing antlers are covered by “velvet,” a soft, fuzzy skin.
The velvet contains a dense network of blood vessels that supply the growing bone and cartilage with necessary blood and nutrients. As late summer approaches, blood flow to the antlers decreases, causing the velvet to dry and become itchy. Deer then rub their antlers against trees and vegetation to remove the dried velvet, revealing the hardened bone underneath. These fully grown antlers are then ready for the next breeding season.
The Fate of Fallen Antlers
Once shed, antlers become a valuable ecosystem resource. They are composed of bone, rich in minerals such as calcium (approximately 19%) and phosphorus (around 10%), along with magnesium, sodium, potassium, and other trace elements. This mineral content makes them an attractive food source for various wildlife.
Rodents, including squirrels, mice, porcupines, and chipmunks, frequently gnaw on shed antlers to obtain essential nutrients and wear down their continuously growing teeth. Other animals like coyotes, wolves, and bears have also been observed chewing on them. This natural recycling process ensures minerals from the antlers are reabsorbed into the environment, contributing to the broader nutrient cycle.