- Defense: Reindeer antlers serve as a primary means of defense against predators, such as wolves and bears. Both male and female reindeer possess antlers, which they can use to ward off potential threats by displaying them in an intimidating manner or even using them to actively strike at attackers.
- Competition for mates: During the mating season (rut), male reindeer engage in contests for dominance to establish their mating rights. Their antlers play a crucial role in these competitions. Males with larger, stronger antlers have a better chance of winning these battles and successfully reproducing.
- Digging through snow: Reindeer rely on their hooves and antlers to navigate and access food during the winter months. They use their antlers to dig through deep snow, revealing the buried vegetation and lichens beneath, which constitute their primary food source.
- Marking territory: Male reindeer use their antlers to mark their territory. By scraping trees or bushes with their antlers, they leave behind scent markers, indicating their presence and warning other reindeer to stay away. This behavior contributes to establishing dominance and maintaining territorial boundaries.
- Communicating with conspecifics: Reindeer antlers also serve as a means of communication. They convey social status, reproductive readiness, and potential for conflict. Reindeer may use specific antler postures and gestures to communicate with each other, facilitating interactions within the herd.
- Protection during storms: In harsh weather conditions, such as blizzards or heavy snowfall, reindeer may also seek shelter under the snow. They use their antlers to clear the snow and create burrows or sleeping spots, providing insulation and protection from the elements.