Black-tailed Deer

An unwelcome visitor to Erika’s garden. Several of her plants are missing in action and she is not a happy gardener. She also is unhappy when people like the men in her family confuse antlers and horns. 

Antlers are found on deer, like this Black-tailed Deer. Antlers are usually found only on males and are extensions of the deer’s skull. They are annually shed and regrown.

Horns are found on antelope, sheep, and bison. Horns are found on males and females (although they are often smaller on females). Horns have two parts, an extension of the skull and a sheath of specialized  hair follicles. Although antelopes shed their horns, normally horns remain on the animal all year (NPS).