The Boss
by Wildlife Fine Art
Title
The Boss
Artist
Wildlife Fine Art
Medium
Photograph - Prints
Description
A hugh bull elk crossing the Madison river in Yellowstone National Park. 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 obtain the energy and minerals needed to grow antlers
as well as the energy to carry them around. Large antlers also identify
Uploaded
December 19th, 2013
Embed
Share
Comments (39)
Nikolyn McDonald
Fine lighting in this capture - excellent timing. Congratulations on your selection as showcased artist of the week at Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery.
Nava Jo Thompson
Robert---congratulations on being the SHOWCASED artist of the week in WFS. A second visit to this one---but it is perfect with the pose---and water action. LVF
Emmy Vickers
The Boss indeed! Awesome in-motion capture Robert! Very clear and vivid shot. Great use of lighting. Great earthy tone colors. Very well composed! L/V.
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Incredible light and great composition Robert! We added our Like! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Bill Stephens
Perfect Elk shot. I would rate this as your third best work, Countdown first and Wolves Nature Song second.
Robert Weiman
Jim, Thank you very much for featuring featuring my image in the group Comfortable Art !