Wyoming Family Sees Bull Moose Shake Antler Loose

National Geographic / YouTube

Moose are absolutely huge–and so are their antlers! Antler shedding is normal, but it can still be a shock to see a moose’s antler(s) snap off and hit the ground, as the family that recorded this video found as they watched a moose go through the shedding process in their Wyoming backyard.

Don’t worry–the process of losing an antler doesn’t hurt, and it’s perfectly natural. Only the males of the species (known as bulls) grow antlers, and they use them to fight for mates. If it looks like a moose is relieved after losing one or more of its antlers, it makes sense–the horns are fully comprised of bone by the time they’re mature, and they can weigh up to 40 pounds, and there can be up to 6 feet between the furthest points of each antler.

 

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Every winter, male moose lose their antlers, and they grow back over each summer. It’s tough to tell exactly when moose in an area will begin to lose their antlers each year, as antler loss can depend on several factors including the weather and how much food is available.

 

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Check out the rare sight below.