Why Do Deer Shed Their Antlers? One of the most fascinating features of deer is their ability to grow and shed antlers each year. Unlike horns, which are permanent structures found on animals such as sheep and cattle, antlers are temporary bony extensions that are regenerated annually. This remarkable cycle is unique among mammals and plays an important role in deer behaviour, reproduction, and survival. In the United Kingdom, several deer species, including red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, sika deer, and muntjac deer, undergo antler shedding as part of their natural life cycle. What Are Antlers? Antlers are bone structures that grow from the skull of male deer, although female reindeer are an exception and also develop antlers. Covered initially by a soft, blood-rich tissue known as velvet, antlers grow rapidly during spring and summer. The velvet supplies nutrients and oxygen that support this extraordinary growth. Once fully developed, the velvet dries a...
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife