Deer Rub

Male deer rub their foreheads and antlers against the base of trees. They do this to rub the velvet off their newly acquired antler growth, to work off aggression, mark territory, and also during rut season. The area between the deer's forehead and antlers contains sweat glands that leave a scent that communicates a challenge to other male deer, while also attracting mates. I found this rub in December, so it is most likely from the rut.

Habitat: Meadow edge

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Whoa, did not realize the process to be this rough and intense. Posted 5 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Sometimes they will do this to several trees in an area. I've heard it called a "rub line" and was told that in that instance, they do it to mark territory. Deer also peel bark off the tree to eat it; but, in this photo, I'm pretty sure it's a rub because I couldn't find any incisor marks and the damage seemed pretty uniform. Plus, finding it in December is also a clue that it's likely a rub. Posted 5 years ago

gary fast

Lion

Christine, around here because of the number of deer deer rubs are a common sight. The favoured tree seems to be Scouler’s Willow. The bucks seem to go out of their way to find one to rub on. This quote from an article on this willow on mpgnorth.com states,
“Externally, a strip of the bark can be tied over a cut as a band-aid that stops bleeding, inhibits bacterial growth, and draws out inflammation.“
Maybe those deer are onto something! Posted 5 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  So interesting! Thanks for the info! Posted 5 years ago