In a video from the Facebook page Foote Off the Grid, a North Maine Woods bull moose showcases one of nature’s most remarkable growth processes: the bull’s developing antlers layered in soft velvet reveal he’s deep in summer’s extraordinary transformation.
While antlers are growing, this fuzzy layer of living tissue that covers the antler provides nutrients and blood flow for growth. This tissue begins as cartilage, and eventually hardens to bone.
This quiet feeding scene captures a fleeting moment in the moose’s annual cycle. Testosterone levels will drop, triggering the blood vessels in the velvet to dry. Bulls will then rub their antlers against brush to remove it, revealing polished antlers beneath.
As the rut approaches in September, moose will use these antlers to display dominance and protect their eyes when challenging other bulls.
These antlers will be shed annually each winter, allowing moose to conserve vital energy during the harshest months and regrow fresh ones in the spring.
For now, though, this bull’s focus remains on the simple necessity of gathering enough nutrition to fuel both his massive frame and his growing antlers.
