From my Wild Mammals of New England book:
New antlers begin to grow in April. Growth is slow at first but becomes much faster as summer advances. By August or September full development is reached when the velvet dries and is rubbed off on shrubs and trees. The antlers are usually shed in December or January, but may be shed as late as March.This was newly shed because there was still a bit of blood at the base. Pretty cool, eh, wot?!
I din't know they shed antlers and yes, that's very cool!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure!
ReplyDeleteLucy knew something wasn't right! Very nice. In all the years that deer came on our land we never found anters.
ReplyDeleteWicked cool! I am so jealous!
ReplyDeleteWay cool! I'll show this to my Tom (aka Antler Man).
ReplyDeleteI wonder whether there is now a moose walking around with just one antler, because if they were shedding both at the same time, you'd probably have found both rather close together.
ReplyDeleteWhooo! what a fascinating find - the grandchildren will be full of wonder, I suppose? By the way, love that pic you sneaked in of them jumping on the bubble wrap. A lovely game that costs nothing - I love the noise it makes when you squeeze a bubble or two! Anyway, my best wishes for the season, enjoy it all xx
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool! I have found many "sheds" in my woods, but always just from White Tail Deer. A moose shed! Wow!
ReplyDeleteCame by to wish you and your family a beautiful, joyful holiday season. Sending love!
I always hoped to find something like that when we lived in Wyoming.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is so cool. Your grandchildren will be interested I think! Wishing you all a joyful Christmas (up to Twelfth Night) and a happy and very satisfying 2017!
ReplyDeleteThat is an extremely cool find. On the bucket list is to see a moose in favorable conditions (as in not charging at me, not upset, etc.). I have spent hours in Vermont over the years on visits peering out the car window when they have moose crossing signs but never any luck. And to think you have the actual antlers!
ReplyDelete