Which sex of caribou commonly grows antlers?

Both male and female caribou commonly grow antlers.

Caribou are the North American name for the same species called reindeer in Eurasia. They are unusual among deer because antlers are normally present in both sexes. Male antlers are generally larger and are used in competition during the autumn breeding season, while female antlers are usually smaller and can help defend feeding space.

Timing differs between the sexes. Many males shed their antlers after the rut, whereas pregnant females often retain theirs through winter and shed them after calving. This can allow females to protect access to food beneath snow during the harshest months.

The wording “commonly” matters because antler development varies with age, health, population and individual condition. Young animals may not yet have antlers, and abnormalities can occur. Caribou are therefore not the same as most familiar deer species, in which antlers are typically a male-only feature.