40 Nebraskaland • March 2026
A squirrel's chisel-shaped incisors leave distinct chew
marks on the antlers, often appearing as elongated gouges
or divots. Based on years of shed collecting in Nebraska's
Central Platte River Valley, however, I've observed minimal
rodent damage (<5%), suggesting antlers are not a limiting
mineral source, or that squirrel populations are too low to
cause a significant impact.
In my experience in central Nebraska, chew marks
on antlers are most often associated with coyotes, as I
frequently observe evidence of antlers being chewed on
or carried/transported by them. These antlers often show
rough tooth scoring and distinct bite marks, especially near
the tips. Like domestic dogs, coyotes may chew instinctively,
but the behavior could also serve practical purposes, such as
dental maintenance or mineral intake.
In addition to squirrels and coyotes, Nebraska camera
traps have recorded a wide range of other mammals,
including rabbits, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats and
even deer interacting with shed antlers by licking, nibbling
and chewing on them. Because these encounters are brief
and infrequent, the extent of wear or damage caused by
these species remains unclear. That said, the longer an antler
remains on the landscape, the more likely it is to show signs
of chewing.
Though often overlooked, shed antlers play a vital role
in mineral recycling and ecosystem health, revealing the
hidden value in what many may consider to be nothing more
than a decaying bone on the forest floor.
N
Brian Peterson is a biologist and online academic program
advisor for the master's biology program at the University
of Nebraska at Kearney. His research has focused on white-
tailed deer. He would like to thank the Smith family for land
access during this study. For more information, please contact
petersonbc@unk.edu.
Cottontail rabbits are frequent visitors to shed antlers but
cause limited damage.
A young white-tailed buck with new antler growth
investigates a shed antler.
A young raccoon chews on a shed antler's brow tine.
Small mammals, such as this white-footed mouse, nibble on
shed antlers, though damage is typically minimal.
