Animals with spectacular antlers and spiky horns in areas of the United States are ready to shed their antlers and spiky horns in the literal sense, as the yearly shedding season for deer, elk, and moose begins. While the keratinized ornaments of these animals have grown in high demand for human house interiors, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is urging people to resist the impulse to gather fallen antlers. The appeal is made in an effort to safeguard wildlife during a time of year when resources are scarce and energy is valuable.
Even collecting fallen antlers and horns has a negative influence on wild animals since foraging in their natural habitat puts them in danger of being stressed. As a result, collecting shed antlers and horns on all public lands west of I-25 has been prohibited on all public lands west of I-25 since 2018, according to restrictions stated on the CPW’s website.
“The goal of this legislation is to alleviate stress on wintering large game animals, including as deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose, during a time of year when they are most vulnerable,” they explain. “Stress can lead to poor physical condition, higher mortality, and lower fawn/calf survival. The health of Colorado’s large game herds and other wintering species is protected by these laws.”
Fat Bear Week is a great example of the harshness of winter, as bears in Katmai National Park must pack on the pounds to the best of their ability if they are to survive the season. This is due to the fact that they are about to enter hibernation and will require all of the stored energy they can gather to go through the long fast. Animals such as elk and moose face similar challenges in the winter since food sources are scarce. As a result, it’s critical that animals aren’t scared away from foraged items because the calories they lose may be the difference between life and death.
To help wildlife survive, the best strategy is to give it a wide berth, which is why the CPW has made steps to implement rules. Antlers and horns are significant tools for animals, serving as both weapons and mate attractants. They are shed when an animal’s testosterone level declines after mating season or if the gonads are damaged due to a hoof to the gonads. It was nefarious business, and it made us question if you might die from being kicked in the testicles.
