Elk in Colorado Rockies

Posted by Kellene West on April 30, 2007

Q: Could you tell me, hopefully within a couple of weeks, when Elk lose their antlers in the Colorado Rockies?

Thank you!

State: Colorado

A: I can't give you a specific time for any location but in general, mature bulls shed antlers in February-March and younger bulls may retain theirs until May. New antlers begin to grow within days after old ones drop. There is a range for the time of antler drop because no two animals are exactly alike. Kind of like asking when does a child's two front teeth fall out - it depends on the child!

So, based on this information, I think I'd assume that the end of Feb and beginning of March would best times to look for this to occur. Hope this helps.

John Wiessinger ( May 1, 2007)

Filed under: Mammals