Do female reindeers have antlers?

Males of almost all deer species grow antlers, used to battle for females. But reindeer are the only species in which the females also grow them, and an explanation can be found by looking at bovids, a closely related family including antelopes, goats and sheep. read more

Many female bovids have horns, used to defend food or territories from other females. In exactly the same way, female reindeer use their antlers to defend food in small patches of cleared snow. Those with the largest antlers tend to be socially dominant and in the best overall physical condition. Unlike horns, antlers are shed each year. read more

Reindeer and caribou are the only deer (Cervidae) where males, females, and calves produce antlers. Substantial growth of calf and female antler can be obtained with good nutrition. Some females can grow small shovels (eye-guards), normally grown only by bulls. read more

Subject: Reindeer Facts. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year (the only members of the deer family, Cervidae, to have females do so), male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid December. read more