Antlers moist inside?

[Rocky1]

I bought a deer antler from Petco, boiled it for 2 hours, let it cool/dry for 2 days, then cut it in half. After cutting it, I noticed that the inside was slightly moist and smelled bad. Does anyone know if this normal? Should I still give it to a squirrel?

[Rocky1]

318034
Here is a picture. To me, the appearance fine. The concern, however, is that it is moist and smells when you sniff it. (It only smells up close, no smell farther away to clarify the level of odor. The type of odor is similar to bad breath from a dog.) Is this normal? This is an outside pet. Should I be concerned about bacteria growth since it is moist?

[Charley Chuckles]

I've been giving antlers to mine for years, I've never boiled them.
I believe boiling created moisture and then yes caused bacteria.
I wouldn't give it to squirrels, just get another and don't boil it👍