Here’s the
scenario: a young tree is found with branches broken off and a damaged trunk. What
is going on?
This could
be a buck rub. A buck rub is where a male deer has rubbed the top of his head and
antlers against a young tree to mark his territory during mating season.
Recent studies have shown scent glands on the top of the male deer’s head
mark their territory as they are pressed against a tree. In the past, it was
thought that this was rubbing the velvet off the newly grown antlers.
This damage occurred
in November. I’ll report back in the spring on whether or not the Blue Spruce
survived.
