Yes, squirrels do eat deer antlers. This behavior is a common occurrence in nature, not just for squirrels but also for other rodents like mice, voles, and porcupines. They actively seek out and gnaw on shed deer antlers found on the forest floor.
Why Squirrels Consume Antlers
Squirrels consume antlers for two reasons: to meet their nutritional needs and to maintain their dental health. Antlers are a rich source of essential minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are crucial for bone health, reproduction, and overall physiological functions. This is especially relevant during certain times of the year, such as late winter and spring, when other natural sources of these minerals might be scarce. Lactating female squirrels gnaw on bones, including antlers, more frequently than non-lactating squirrels, highlighting the increased demand for calcium during pregnancy and nursing.
In addition to nutritional benefits, gnawing on hard antlers helps squirrels wear down their continuously growing incisors. Squirrels possess incisors that grow throughout their lives, a characteristic shared with many rodents. Without constant gnawing on tough materials, these teeth can grow too long, potentially causing injury or making it difficult for the squirrel to eat. Chewing on antlers is a natural and effective way for squirrels to keep their teeth at a manageable length and ensure they remain sharp for cracking nuts and other foods.
How Antlers Are Eaten
Squirrels discover antlers after deer shed them, a process occurring in late winter or early spring. Once located, squirrels systematically chew on the antlers, leaving behind characteristic parallel grooves or divots made by their incisors. They do not devour the entire antler quickly but consume small amounts over time.
This gnawing process involves the squirrel holding the antler in place with its upper incisors while dragging its lower incisors across the surface, or using both sets of teeth simultaneously. This behavior, known as osteophagy, is common among various rodents. This behavior is a widespread adaptation among rodents to meet their specific physiological requirements.
Antlers in the Ecosystem
The consumption of antlers by squirrels and other animals plays a role in nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. When these animals gnaw on antlers, they break down the bony structures and release valuable minerals back into the environment. This process ensures that nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which are otherwise locked within the bone material, are recycled and made available for other organisms and plants in the forest.
Shed antlers rarely remain intact in nature for extended periods. The demand for these mineral-rich resources means they are quickly sought out and consumed by various wildlife. This natural breakdown and recycling by animals like squirrels contribute to the overall health and productivity of the forest floor, preventing the accumulation of these materials and facilitating the continuous flow of essential nutrients within the ecosystem.