All animals that possess true antlers shed them annually. The question often stems from a common confusion between antlers and horns, which are distinct structures found on different animal families with different shedding patterns.
Antlers vs. Horns: A Fundamental Difference
To clarify, it's essential to understand the biological differences between antlers and horns:
- Antlers: These are bony growths that typically emerge from the skull of male members of the deer family (Cervidae), which includes animals like deer, elk, moose, and caribou. A defining characteristic of antlers is that they are shed and regrown each year. This annual cycle of shedding and regrowth is a natural process, with new antlers often growing larger and more complex as the animal matures.
- Horns: In contrast, horns are permanent structures. They consist of a bony core covered by a layer of keratin, the same protein found in human fingernails. Animals with horns do not shed them; instead, their horns continue to grow throughout their entire life.
Animals That Do Not Shed Their Headgear (Horns)
Animals that do not shed their headgear are those that possess horns. These species are not members of the deer family and retain their horns permanently. In North America, horned animals that carry their horns their entire life include:
- Wild Sheep: Such as Bighorn Sheep and Dall Sheep.
- Antelope: Including species like the Pronghorn (which, while unique in shedding its keratin sheath, retains its bony core permanently).
- Bison: Both American Bison and European Bison possess robust, permanent horns.
- Mountain Goat: Recognized by their sharp, dark, un-shed horns.
These animals maintain their horns permanently, unlike members of the deer family who shed and regrow their antlers each year.
Key Characteristics of Antlers and Horns
| Feature | Antlers | Horns |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Solid bone | Bony core covered with keratin sheath |
| Shedding | Shed annually and regrown | Not shed; permanent |
| Growth | Regrown from pedicles; often larger each year | Continuous growth throughout life |
| Animal Family | Deer family (Cervidae) | Bovidae (e.g., wild sheep, bison, goat, some antelope) |
| Examples | Deer, Elk, Moose, Caribou | Wild Sheep, Antelope, Bison, Mountain Goat |
Understanding this distinction makes it clear that while animals with true antlers do shed them, many animals possess horns which are permanent and never shed.
