Deer Antlers Facts

Deer antlers are fascinating bony structures that grow from the heads of most male deer species. Unlike horns, which are permanent and made of keratin, antlers are shed and regrown annually.

What Are Antlers?

Antlers are extensions of the skull, composed primarily of bone. They grow from attachment points on the skull called pedicles. The size and complexity of antlers vary greatly among deer species, from the short spikes of a roe deer to the massive racks of a moose.

The Growth Cycle

The growth and shedding of antlers are regulated by hormones, primarily testosterone, and are influenced by factors such as age, nutrition, and genetics.

Spring Growth

Antler growth begins in spring, typically after the old antlers have been shed. During this rapid growth phase, the antlers are covered in a vascular, furry skin called "velvet." The velvet supplies blood and nutrients to the growing bone.

Summer Maturation

Throughout the summer, the antlers continue to grow and harden. By late summer or early autumn, the antlers have reached their full size, and the bone has fully calcified. At this point, the velvet begins to dry and itch.

Autumn Shedding of Velvet

Once the antlers are fully mature, the velvet is no longer needed. The deer will rub their antlers against trees and shrubs to remove the itchy velvet. This process is known as "stripping" or "rubbing off the velvet." After the velvet is shed, the antlers are exposed as hard, bony structures.

Winter Shedding of Antlers

Typically in late winter or early spring, after the breeding season, the antlers are shed. A layer of bone cells forms at the pedicle, weakening the connection between the antler and the skull, causing the antler to detach. Once shed, the cycle begins anew.

Antlers vs. Horns

It's important to distinguish between antlers and horns:

Feature	Antlers	Horns
Material	Bone	Keratin (like fingernails)
Growth	Shed and regrow annually	Permanent, grow continuously
Location	Most male deer (and female caribou)	Bovids (cattle, sheep, goats, antelope)
Branches	Typically branched	Unbranched (though some may curve or spiral)

Function of Antlers

Antlers serve several crucial functions for deer:

• Dominance and Mating: Antlers are primarily used by males in sparring contests to establish dominance and compete for access to females during the breeding season (rut).
• Defense: While not their primary purpose, antlers can be used for defense against predators.
• Foraging: Deer may use their antlers to clear snow or vegetation to access food, though this is less common.

Interesting Facts

• Caribou (reindeer) are unique among deer species because both males and females typically grow antlers, although female antlers are usually smaller.
• The largest antlers ever recorded belonged to an Irish elk, an extinct species of deer.
• Antler growth is an energy-intensive process, requiring significant nutritional intake.