Male deer use antlers to signal dominance and establish hierarchy

Male deer, or bucks, use their antlers to communicate and compete with one another. Studies show that larger antlers often indicate maturity and help establish social dominance within a herd.

During the breeding season, bucks use their antlers to posture and spar as they determine hierarchy and gain access to females. Because body size and antler size are closely linked, it can be difficult to discern whether antlers or overall size deter younger males.

As bucks age, sparring matches can become more intense, sometimes resulting in injuries. The role of antlers in these interactions underscores their importance in deer social behavior, according to researchers.

Photograph by Joe Mac Hudspeth Jr.

Source: Original Article