A fervent Canadian wildlife enthusiast just experienced an incredible and breathtaking meeting with nature that is certainly a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Wildlife enthusiast Derek Keith Burgoyne was in a New Brunswick forest covered in snow when he happened upon a fascinating scene involving a moose and its antlers.
Derek Keith Burgoyne set out into the heart of Plaster Rock, Canada, on January 12th, anxious to capture the amazing lifestyles of the local wildlife on camera and armed with his reliable drone. He had no idea that he was going to see something amazing that would blow his mind. He found not one, not two, but three bull moose in the immaculate wilderness, and his camera was primed to go.
Burgoyne skillfully controlled his drone and trained it to capture the three magnificent moose. Of the three, two had previously gone through the antler-shedding process naturally, leaving them sporting stunning headwear that had been useful for mating. But the gorgeous antlers were still on the third moose.
The third moose stopped still in its steps, obviously aware of the audience overhead, and Burgoyne’s drone filmed the magical moment. Then, the magnificent animal gave a soft, hypnotic movement of its body. It abruptly and gracefully let go of both of its enormous antlers, which lowered themselves softly to the immaculate, snow-covered forest floor.
Burgoyne was determined to get a close-up look at the action and was not satisfied with only watching it from the air. He transitioned to recording from ground level once the drone had captured the captivating scene, documenting the aftermath of this natural phenomenon. Burgoyne followed the moose’s trail through the magical woodland with great excitement in his veins, determined to get the antlers.
Burgoyne looked at the camera, clearly delighted, and said that this was only the second time he had seen a moose drop its antlers, but this time was completely different. He had never seen both antlers shed at the same time before.
“For wildlife enthusiasts like me, this is akin to winning the lottery,” exclaimed Burgoyne in a voice filled with wonder and awe. He continued, “Typically, a bull moose may shed one antler while retaining the other for days or even weeks. Witnessing both antlers being shed at the same time is a phenomenally rare occurrence! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” His excitement was palpable, and he couldn’t help but describe it as “the best experience of my life.”
For moose, deer, and elk, the annual process of antler shedding—also referred to as “casting” in science—occurs following the end of the fall breeding season. It is a complex and intriguing period in these animals’ existence, signalling the change from one annual cycle stage to the next.
Ultimately, the incredible experience Derek Keith Burgoyne had with the moose losing its antlers is proof of the grandeur and beauty of the natural world. It serves as a reminder that, despite the advancements in technology, there are still amazing moments to behold, moments that may leave a wildlife fanatic like Burgoyne speechless. His footage and experience will surely encourage many others to value and preserve the surrounding natural environment, where such wonders are still happening.