Why do male deer have antlers?

Male deer develop ornate antlers mainly through strong mating pressure. These antlers help them fight off rivals and show status to win access to females.

In the yearly rut, two stags often collide in hard bouts. These clashes are physical and can be rough. The shape, balance, and detailed look of a set of antlers can act as a clear sign of how capable a male is, both in health and in strength.

Unlike the horns of buffalo, antlers do not stay for life. They are shed, then regrown again the next year.