Saturday, August 14, 2010

Pennsylvania Elk: The Velvet Is Shed

This is a period of change in Pennsylvania's elk country as the bulls shed their velvet.  Antlers are shed in late winter and early spring with new antler growth beginning almost immediately. The new antlers are covered with "velvet" which is composed of a soft velvety feeling tissue, which contains a network of blood vessels that carry nourishment to the developing antlers.  The antlers reach their full size during July and by early August the velvet begins to dry and crack and eventually peel away, exposing the hard bone like antlers that the animal will carry throughout the autumn and winter.

Some of the bulls begin the velvet shedding process in early to mid-August, while others complete it later in the month.  It is fairly safe to say that almost all but a few of the spikes have lost the velvet by the beginning of September.

At first the velvet cracks and bloody spots appear.  The animals may feel an itching sensation as it is common to see them  rubbing their antlers against trees and saplings at this time.

Cracks In The Velvet And Spots Of Blood Indicate Velvet Will Be Shed Soon:"Fred" Bull 36 Aug. 14, 2007

Once the process begins it is usually completed in a day or so.  When the velvet is completely ready to be shed, the animals hasten the process along by aggressively horning trees, saplings, and the ground.
At this point it is common to see the velvet hanging from the antlers in long loose strips.

Strips Of Velvet Hanging From Antlers: August 18, 2008

Bulls With Shedding Completed: August 16, 2007
It is reasonably safe to say that last week and this coming week is the best period to witness this exciting event in the life cycle of the elk and that visitors to the elk range can expect to encounter bulls in various stages of the process during the coming week.

For more Camera Critters photographs, Click Here!

Originally posted by Willard Hill at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer

15 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

These are amazing pictures showing this process.Have a good weekend.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

Thank you for showing us the stages through which bulls loose their velvet. The pictures were all interesting to see.

Mike B. @ slugyard.com said...

Great shots. Thanks for the information!

Perry said...

Very interesting lesson on Elk. Great photos to go with it too. Thanks for sharing! Here is my entry.

Jane said...

Wonderfully captured and lovely animals, thanks for sharing them:)

Adrienne Zwart said...

That was really interesting, Willard. I did not know how the antlers went from velvety to smooth until just now. Thanks for the nature lesson. :)

Carletta said...

It's funny you would post about the shedding this week. I've been watching one older buck and one younger one. The younger one is still showing velvet. :)
These are wonderful shots Willard. I can't look at elk and not think of the word majestic.

(Carletta's Captures)

Larry D said...

Great shots, always interesting!

Anonymous said...

Wow - what stunning shots!

sebi_2569 said...

beautiful capture; congratulations

V.L. Locey said...

Wonderful shots as always Willard!

Gemma Wiseman said...

I have never seen this shedding process even in pictures! Incredible photos! Especially love the first photo! The elk looks so regal!

Misty DawnS said...

Your images are always so awesome, and I love learning from you!

Philip said...

So just before your Autumn they shed this velvet I didn't know that :)) great shots BTW Willard.

Gretchen said...

I've been down and out for far too long and haven't been here to visit enough.

Once again, just seeing the gorgeous photos puts a smile on my face and a kick in the butt to get out and take more photos!