What is going on with this tree?

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.