Velvet in Tatters

This is one of the big seasonal markers for deer. For the last four months they have been growing these spectacular antlers. The growth is fed by soft blood-rich tissue called velvet which covers the growing bone and looks just like, er, velvet. Now it’s done its job and gets rubbed off. The bucks are still hanging out together in their men’s club, but soon the sexes will begin to mingle and testosterone levels will start to rise. I can feel the excitement already!