All About the Antlers: The most distinguishing feature of deer must be their antlers. (Only male deer grow antlers, except for reindeer — both sexes have them.) In the spring bony formations begin to sprout from the top of the male's skull. Newly formed antlers are covered with a fine hair called velvet. Eventually, the velvet dries and rubs off, leaving a hard antler ready for battle. Males use their antlers to compete against each other for females. At the end of the breeding season, the antlers fall off. Each year, the males grow a new set of antlers.
Teeth of Terror: Musk and mouse deer do not grow antlers. Instead, large upper canine teeth are used in battle.
Very Different Deer: Smaller species of deer are generally solitary and prefer to browse among bushes and trees alone. Larger deer graze in more open habitats and congregate in herds for protection from predators. Deer can be found in northwest Africa, Eurasia and the Americas.
