Bull Caribou in Late Summer
Alaska, USA
An alert caribou scans the tundra during the summer in Alaska.
During the growth stage, antlers are cartilaginous and draped in velvet., refering to the hairy, soft “skin” that surrounds the antlers. This provides a blood supply and the nutrients necessary for the antlers' full development. Later in the season, the velvet is shed, exposing the bloodied antlers which later cure and mature. Unlike horns, antlers are shed and regrown every year.
In most species of deer (white-tailed, red, elk, moose, etc) only the males grow antlers, used during the rut to attract females and fend off challengers. However, female caribous also grow antlers to assist with foraging in snow and to secure food resources during pregnancy.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.
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