Elk Antler

What’s the purpose of antlers on deer, moose and elks?

Are they just for defensive purposes or do they have some other function?

They use antlers for defense against predators, weapons against rival animals of the same species, and as impressive displays to woo the females. The bigger, thicker, stronger the antlers are, the more impressed the females are. Plus, in order to get to the females a male will usually have to “fight” another competing male. Bigger antlers means increased chance of winning the battle and the ladies.

Elk Antlers