Deer antler (chewed by unknown animal?)

[mr dazzler]

We went out yesterday to harvest a few elbow adze crooks.

On the forest floor we found this deer skull.

But what seemed unusual was that one of the antlers had been chewd or gnawed

Any suggestions as to what animal did the chewing? I know very little about antler, but am guessing it is dry and hard, it would need strong teeth and jaws to get through it?

 

[Bushwhacker]

Looks like rodent, not sure which.

 

[WoodMan]

Antler is simply bone and therefore rich in calcium, most animals that will chew anything will chew antler. Deer frequently chew antlers as do rodents and squirrels. Looks like a yearling roebuck to me. Nice to see your boy out in the woods. Best wishes, Glyn.

 

[Sniper]

A lot of deer actually have a munch at their own antlers when they "drop them", I'm told that it helps replenish lost calcium in preperation to growing the next set.

 

[Ronnie]

A lot of deer actually have a munch at their own antlers when they "drop them", I'm told that it helps replenish lost calcium in preperation to growing the next set.

Yes - the hinds eat the antlers too. It's quite a clever way of transferring nutrition from the stags to the hinds just when they need it the most in the early spring.

 

[mr dazzler]

many thanks for your replies guys. You learn something new every day!