#MAJESTIC ELK ANTLERS FULL#

The elk's molars and incisors provide the best indication of the animal's age. The 'ivories' (also called tusks, whistlers, or buglers) were primarily used as decorative beads, pendants, and necklaces, and were very valuable due to their rarity. An elk's canine teeth, made of ivory, are unique and were highly prized by both Native Americans and European settlers. Teeth in elk are similar to other deer except for the presence of upper canine teeth. At this point, the velvet covering dries and falls off or is rubbed off on trees or shrubs.

#MAJESTIC ELK ANTLERS FULL#

The blood flow to the antlers stops in August, when the antlers have reached their full size. During the summer months, antlers can grow up to one inch per day, making it the fastest growing bone known. Velvet, which covers antlers during the growth phase, carries blood to the growing bone tissue. Antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds per set. Therefore, female elk will generally select a dominant bull with large antlers. Large antlers advertise dominance and the ability to defend against predators and other bulls.

Antler growth is in preparation for the mating season, which primarily occurs in September and October. Antlers, unlike the horns of bison, are shed every spring and a new set is grown. Only bulls have antlers.Īntlers play a very important role in mate selection. Female elk, known as cows, weigh between 500 and 600 pounds, and stand an average of 4.5 feet at shoulder height. Once fully grown, a bull elk averages 5 feet tall at the shoulders and can weigh between 7 pounds. Adult male elk, referred to as bulls, attain their largest size at 7 years old. Niimiipuutímt: wewukiye (weh-WOOK-yeh) (male)Įlk are the second largest members of the deer family.

Niimiipuutímt: tasiipx (tas-EEK-pahk) (female).

Majestic elk antlers