White-tailed deer are a widespread species found across North, Central, and South America. They inhabit diverse environments, from forests to suburban areas. These deer are recognizable by their reddish-brown summer coat, grayish-brown winter coat, and the distinctive white underside of their tail, which they raise when alarmed.
Antler Growth in Male White-Tailed Deer
Antlers are bony structures that typically grow only on male white-tailed deer, known as bucks. These organs develop from pedicles on the skull and are shed and regrown annually.
The growth cycle begins in late spring, with antlers rapidly forming under a soft, vascular skin called velvet. As summer progresses, the antlers harden, and by late August or early September, the velvet dries and is rubbed off, revealing polished bone.
Testosterone plays a significant role in triggering antler growth and hardening. Male deer use their hardened antlers during the breeding season to establish dominance and attract mates.
Antler size can indicate a buck’s health and genetic quality, although older bucks past their prime may have smaller antlers. After the breeding season, typically from late December to early March, testosterone levels decline, leading to antler shedding.
When Female White-Tailed Deer Grow Antlers
While antlers are almost exclusively a male characteristic, it is possible for female white-tailed deer to grow them. This phenomenon is exceptionally rare, estimated to occur in less than 1% of the female population. Some sources suggest the occurrence rate is as low as 1 in 10,000 or even 1 in 100,000 does.
Biological Factors Behind Atypical Antler Growth
The primary reason a female white-tailed deer might develop antlers is an underlying hormonal imbalance, specifically an elevated level of testosterone. Normally, female deer have very low testosterone, which prevents antler growth. However, disruptions can lead to increased male hormones.
Contributing factors to this hormonal shift can include ovarian abnormalities, genetic conditions, or tumors affecting hormone production. In some rare instances, an antlered doe might be a pseudo-hermaphrodite, possessing external female genitalia but internal male sex organs. Injury can also sometimes lead to hormonal imbalances that affect antler development.
Appearance of Female Antlers
Antlers on female white-tailed deer typically differ in appearance from those on males. They are often smaller, thinner, or may appear misshapen.
Unlike the polished antlers of mature bucks, female antlers frequently remain partially or fully covered in velvet year-round, as they may not experience the sharp increase in testosterone needed for velvet shedding and hardening. These atypical antlers are also rarely shed, contrasting with the annual shedding cycle of male antlers. The irregular formation and persistent velvet distinguish these rare female antlers from the robust and well-defined racks seen on male white-tailed deer.