The Elktagon – a specific location at MPG Ranch where bull elk gather in the summertime to seemingly prepare for the physical rigors of the fall rut – is no stranger to unique behavior. In fact, we’re unaware of any other place, anywhere, where this kind of conduct occurs.
But we’ve gotta tell you: things are getting a bit weird at the Elktagon. Big game researcher Craig Jourdonnais, who has documented “normal” Elktagon behavior over the past several years, has long wondered if the practice of “shed hunting” – when folks comb hillsides and collect the hefty antlers dropped by bull elk over the winter – has any effect on the elk themselves. Craig had a hunch that those antlers might play a role in the lives of elk, even after they’ve detached. To test the theory, he placed a shed antler directly in front of a couple of the trail cameras at the Elktagon.
Based on this latest footage, it sure seems that Craig was correct. As you can see, the shed antler inspired a whole range of odd behaviors from the bulls in the training group. Over the course of a few weeks in June, the shed was sniffed, licked, nuzzled, licked, pawed, moved, danced around, and fiercely protected by a number of different bulls. Craig notes that bulls will spend hours at a time with the shed, and that few seem to be able to ignore it. The thing seems to hold an almost talismanic power over the animals, like the conch in Lord of the Flies or the ring in Lord of the Rings.
It’s too early to draw any conclusions about what this all means, but rest assured that Craig is on the case. We’ll provide updates as the research evolves. MPG Wildlife
I can’t find a reference off of FB but this is very interesting especially if there is truth in it. I am skeptical. A lot of data is needed.
I think elephants do some of this behavior around elephant bones and ivory.
Per a friend.