Do you know which are the only animals in the world that have antlers? They are deer, moose, and elk.

Caught in antlers:

And every year, the males begin to grow a new set from two permanent stumps of bone on their heads. The antlers are soft and tender and covered with a thin skin called velvet when they are going. The antlers reach full size after three months, but the velvet stays on a month more while the antlers harden. When the velvet is shed, the deer has a beautiful new pair of antlers — and some antlers are quite big!

A moose’s antlers may stretch seven feet wide and weigh up to 80 pounds.

Families and homes:

There are about 36 species of deer, and among these there are 190 subspecies. Deer are found in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The greatest species variety is found in Asia, where deer are thought to have originated. Some of these, like the Chinese water deer, have tusks instead of antlers. The only place in the world to find moose and elk is in North America.

The hunted herd:

Deer don’t hunt — they are hunted. To protect themselves, some members of the deer family, like caribou and elk, live in herds. Even deer that usually live alone can sometimes help each other. Male moose like to follow behind a single female, which guards the female against attacks from the rear.

Mother deer will distract a predator from her fawns by running back and forth in a crazy zigzag route. Taking long leaps leaves behind little scent to follow.

They are vegetarians:

Deer eat only plants. In the spring, there are plenty of juicy green leaves to dine on. In summer, deer add herbs and mushrooms to their diet. In the fall, deer munch on fallen acorns. But winter is very difficult. Deer must often go to great lengths to find any food at all. Many do not survive-some of those who do turn to raiding farmers’ crops. Other species, like moose, will eat underwater plants when they are available.

All deer species are strict plant-eaters.

Spotted fawns:

A doe usually gives birth to one or two fawns in the spring. When they are born, most fawns are covered with white spots. This helps them to hide in tall grass. When they are just a week or two old, the curious fawns begin following their mother everywhere. Their mothers continue to protect them for a least a full year. By then, the young deer are almost as tall as their mothers. By the time they have lost their spots, the young males are ready to grow their first antlers.

Protecting them:

Green Light. The future looks hopeful for many deer. In fact, in some areas where predators have been wiped out, people now step in to help keep balance in the deer population. This prevents deer from starving. For less fortunate species, people work to preserve natural areas where they can live.

Worldwide, there are 29 species and subspecies of deer that are considered endangered, threatened, or vulnerable. These animals can all be helped by preserving habitat.

What you didn’t know

• Male deer grow a new set of antlers every year

• Chinese deer have tusks instead of antlers

• Moose and elk are in North America only

• Deer are plant eaters

• Their young ones are spotted