Where are scent glands located that produce musk rubbed on vegetation to mark territory or signal reproductive status?
Answer
Tarsal (inner hind leg) areas.
Communication via scent plays a vital role in white-tailed deer social dynamics, particularly during the rut. The primary glands responsible for producing the musk used in marking behaviors are situated on the tarsal regions, which are located on the inner aspect of the hind legs. When establishing dominance, marking territory, or signaling readiness to breed, bucks will rub these tarsal glands onto saplings or create ground scrapes. This action deposits a complex cocktail of pheromones onto the vegetation. While other scent sources exist (like preorbital and chin glands), the tarsal secretion is specifically noted for its role in communicating rut status to other deer over time.
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