Everyone knows the Christmas tale of Santa Claus and his famous reindeer!
Though, unlike Santa, reindeer are more than just a holiday legend. (Unless you choose to still believe that Father Christmas is real. 😉) These animals have long walked this earth and they're special for so many reasons. For one, reindeer can see in the dark—and that makes sense as to why Santa chose them to guide his annual holiday expedition overnight. They also have unmatched stamina and speed, allowing them to trot across long expanses of arctic tundra (or... carry a sleigh in the air!). But something else that really makes them exceptional are their antlers. While it's true that in most deer species, the males grow antlers, both female and male reindeer can grow 'em!
This obviously raises so many questions—some pertaining to the biology of reindeer; others about Christmas. Why do female reindeer have antlers? Does that mean Santa's reindeer are female? What about Rudolph? Well, if you know want to know more about the magical creatures that transport Santa to your home each year (so that you can leave him your tastiest Christmas cookies), then read on for everything we know!
Why do female reindeer have antlers?
Female reindeer grow antlers primarily to hunt for and protect their food during the winter time, according to Discover Wildlife. This is especially true, since throughout pregnancy, a solid source of food is vital. And because female reindeer usually become pregnant during winter, they end up keeping their antlers all the way through to springtime.
For female reindeer, antlers begin growing some weeks after they do for male reindeer. Female reindeer will see their antlers grow anywhere from 9 to 20 inches long, while males will see theirs reach anywhere 20 to 50 inches. And when they first grow, you'll likely see them with a soft coating, which is essentially a fur deemed as "velvet."
Are Santa's reindeer all female?
That's the big question! Scientifically speaking, the majority of male reindeer typically shed their antlers before December. Comparatively, female reindeer keep their antlers 'til the spring. So, come Christmastime, when Santa is traveling the world on his sleigh led by reindeer (with antlers in tact), wouldn't this technically mean that the crew of flying creatures are all... female?
This theory pokes fun at the whole Christmas tale of Santa's reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and (drum roll) Rudolph. All in all, this could really just be a fun Christmas fact to bring up at any of the holidays parties that you attend!
Josiah Soto is the assistant editor of news and social for The Pioneer Woman. He helps manage the website’s social channels, in addition to writing high-performing news and entertainment content daily.
