Witness a Deer With Simply Astoundingly Large Antlers Bask in Sunlight

Recently, a video of a buck with huge antlers went viral on TikTok. In the video, the buck seems to bask in the sunlight, closing his eyes and taking it in. During other moments, it appears as though the deer is looking directly into the camera. The deer remained calm and in one spot the entire length of the video.

The deer’s antlers were also extremely large in size, with many commenters noting it must be time for antler shedding. In any case, the video is both endearing and fascinating, but it brought up many good questions about deer and their common habits. Let’s dive into some of them below.

How Heavy Are Deer Antlers?

Deer antlers typically range between 3 to 9 pounds. Male deer, or buck, grow antlers to attract, compete for, and protect mates. In fact, antlers are often a symbol of good health in male deer. Often, the heavier the antlers, the healthier the deer, as this signifies bone density and good mineralization. That being said, we can probably guess the deer in the viral video is in good health. 

What Is Antler Shedding? 

Antler shedding is the process of dropping one’s antlers after the breeding season concludes. This is caused by a decrease in testosterone, which typically weakens connective tissue and causes the antlers to fall off. Antler shedding is usually painless and occurs during the winter (between January and March). 

Many people watching the viral video shown below commented about the buck’s probable anticipation of its antler shedding. Because the antlers looked especially large and heavy, many believed it was almost time for the deer to drop the antlers.

Are Deer Nocturnal?

Deer are not nocturnal; rather, deer are crepuscular. Many believe deer are nocturnal because they’re often spotted at night (unlike in the video below). However, they actually are most active during twilight hours (around dusk and dawn). 

However, deer can adjust their sleeping patterns according to the weather or seasonal changes. As a result, it’s not uncommon to see deer out in broad daylight — as the deer in the video appears to be. Often, if it’s particularly cold outside, deer will go out in direct sunlight seeking warmth. On the other hand, they might avoid the sun and seek shelter during the hot summer months.  

Watch the Adorable Yet Fascinating Viral Deer Video

The photo featured at the top of this post is © WildMedia/Shutterstock.com

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