Elk in Yellowstone
by Wildlife Fine Art
Title
Elk in Yellowstone
Artist
Wildlife Fine Art
Medium
Photograph - Prints
Description
Winter is the rest and restore time for the bulls of Yellowstone. They are recouperating from the vigroius fall rut. Keeping their antler through the winter. The largest horns will fall off first in March. The North American Elk (Cervus elaphus) is also called the Wapiti. Each spring, male deer and elk begin growing antlers from bony bumps on their skulls called pedicles.
Increasing daylight elevates the level of the hormone testosterone in the animal's blood, which
triggers the growth of antlers. Antlers begin as layer upon layer of cartilage that slowly mineralizes
into bone. They are light and easily damaged until they completely mineralize in late summer.
A soft covering called velvet helps protect the antlers and carries blood to the growing bone tissue.
If you look closely at a deer or elk antler, you'll see grooves and ridges on it. These mark the paths
of veins that carried blood throughout the growing antlers. The blood stops flowing to the antlers in August, the antlers finish hardening, and the velvet falls off or is rubbed off. The hardened antlers are composed of calcium, phosphorous and as much as 50 percent water.
An antler grows faster than any other kind of bone. It can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) a day during the summer. Biologists are studying antlers in the hopes of learning the secrets of rampant cell growth,
secrets that may unlock cures to various forms of cancer.
In the second year, a bull elk usually grows slim, unbranched antlers called spikes that are 10-20 inches(25-50 cm) long. By the third year, antlers begin developing tines that branch from the main beam.
By the seventh summer, a bull's antlers may have six tines each, weigh as much as 40 pounds (18 kg),and grow to a length and spread of more than four feet (1.2 m). Why would an animal need to carry around a rack of antlers that weighs so much? A large rack identifies a bull that is successful in finding food, lots of food.
A bull must consume huge amounts of nutrients to
Uploaded
December 28th, 2013
Embed
Share
Comments (64)
Kay Brewer
Congratulations on your win in the January Travel contest sponsored by the Travel Art group! l/f
Tatiana Travelways
Congratulations for the 1st place winner in the "January Travel" contest at "Travel Art" group! The image has been promoted in our FAA Travel Art group on Facebook
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #7 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
HH Photography of Florida
Nominated for a SPECIAL FEATURE in the 1000 Views On 1 Image group. A beautiful wildlife capture. l/fv
Wildlife Fine Art
Thank you Jeannette Hunt for featuring my image called Elk in Yellowstone in the group Animals PHOTOS ONLY !
Nikolyn McDonald
Gorgeous environment and mammal. Congratulations on the tie for 2nd place in the Amazing Wildlife contest.
Doug Kreuger
Superb capture Rob! Magnificent scenery!! Congratulations on your WFS Top Row Homepage Features! L/V & F
Jean OKeeffe dba Macro Abundance Art
Congratulations for your image being featured on the home page of the FAA group WFS! v
Robert Weiman
Thank you very much Randy for featuring my image in the group Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery !
Randy Rosenberger
It is with honor and great pride that I chose you as our "artist for the day" in our WFS group, and due to the quality and integrity of your artworks, you are so very well deserving! This newest honor is only bestowed upon family members, friends, and fine artists, within our fine group of grand artists from all around the world. Thanks very much for sharing your expertise of your artistic talents with us and for your inspiration you give to so many other artists from our worldwide connections! Forever, Elvis http://fineartamerica.com/groups/wisconsin-flowers-and-scenery.html
Wildlife Fine Art replied:
Randy, I would like to sincerely thank you to all your hard work you do for our group, It is my honor to share my photography thanks to WFS. You are truly a gracious person ! Thank you for the new"artist for the day" recognition. Robert