A sika deer with the severed head of a rival male that died in their battle skewered on its antler. Photograph: Kohei Nagira/Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Via The Guardian.
I find my self wondering how the impaled head became severed from the rest of the carcass. Almost certainy not from the battle per se. Did the victor have to drag the carcass around as he grazed until the flesh rotted, or did wolves perhaps scavenge the dead body up top the neck?
Addendum: found the answer in The Atlantic, which also posted the photo: "A local fisherman says the deer dragged the whole body for several days before finally tearing off its head." Maybe he was able to stomp the neck area with his hooves. (p.s. - both links have a bunch of excellent wildlife photos)
No comments:
Post a Comment