The females (cows) retain their antlers until their calves are born in the spring, and the males (bulls) drop theirs after the autumn “rut”, or mating season.

Mature bulls will average 350 pounds and cows will weigh around 200 pounds. Alaska’s most northern reindeer will often weigh less than those from Alaska’s south or Interior due to food scarcity.

Did you know? Reindeer antlers are a form of growing bone. As their antlers grow during the year, they are covered in a blood-nourished skin often called “velvet”. Once the antlers are fully grown, the velvet is shed, exposing the antlers beneath.

*NOTE: Caribou is the proper term for the wild animal, whereas Reindeer is the term used for the domesticated animal.