Cervids are a diverse group of mammals, with antlers being a prominent feature for many. However, not all deer species, or even all deer within a species, possess them.
The Primary Antler Bearers
Male deer are the primary antler bearers across most cervid populations. These bony structures typically begin growing in late spring, with their development regulated by hormones and day length. Antlers serve multiple purposes for males, mainly during the breeding season. Males use their antlers in competition, engaging in sparring or direct combat to establish dominance over other males. This display of strength and size can also attract females, signaling genetic quality and overall health. Well-known species where males consistently grow antlers include white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, and red deer.
Notable Exceptions
While antler growth is generally observed in male deer, some notable exceptions exist within the cervid family. The caribou, also known as reindeer, stands out as a species where both males and females typically grow antlers. Female caribou use their antlers for practical reasons, such as defending food resources by digging through snow to access lichen during winter. They also use them to protect their calves from predators. Another significant exception is the Chinese water deer, a species where males do not grow antlers at all. Instead, male Chinese water deer possess elongated canine teeth, or tusks, which can extend up to five centimeters in length. These tusks function similarly to antlers in other deer, serving as weapons for display and combat during territorial disputes. Rarely, female deer of typically antlered species may grow small, unbranched antlers due to hormonal imbalances or injuries.
Antlers Versus Horns
Antlers and horns are fundamentally different structures, often confused. Antlers, unique to deer, are bony outgrowths from the skull that are shed and regrown annually, making them one of the fastest-growing animal tissues. While growing, antlers are covered in vascularized skin called velvet, which supplies nutrients; once fully formed, the velvet sheds, leaving hardened bone. In contrast, horns are permanent structures found on animals like cattle, sheep, and goats, consisting of a bony core covered by a keratin sheath. Unlike antlers, horns are never shed and continue to grow throughout an animal’s life; deer possess only antlers, never horns.