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Project Noah Nature School
Cervus canadensis
This big bull elk was obviously Alpha in his herd, regardless of the mutation that caused his left antler to grow crookedly. He has definitely made the most of his predicament, as his harem of ladies seemed to be happy with him!! When I looked closer at the pictures, he had sores or infections on his flanks, maybe caused during the rut.
Spotted on Oct 12, 2012
Submitted on Oct 15, 2012
12 Comments
You know, Satyen, I'm not sure that he is in any pain. It's got to be a defect from birth, and if it was extremely painful, he probably wouldn't have survived. The antler curves the right way, and he's obviously succeeding in life. I can only hope that I'm right!! Thanks for the comments! ;-)
Unique spotting! Poor fellow, hope it isn't painful.
Well...yes...nobody's perfect!! But he probably thinks he is!! ;-)
That's not crooked that's actually coming out the front of the head!
Thanks Despina! I appreciate it!
At least he's not battling many predators in Genesee! He doesn't look weak, but those sores didn't look good either! Poor guy!!
I can only imagine how painful that must have been/ still is. He deserves a heard of females after that!
incredible spot!
I know, right??? But look how it curves perfectly back like a regular antler! No forks on it, but it seems to do the job! Thanks, Maria!
Great spotting - an antler growing from his forehead! Wow
I know!! Amazing what you find when you look closely at the pics!!
Whoa! I didn't realize he had this deformity! Crazy!