Female reindeer, uniquely among deer, grow antlers, raising questions about this characteristic's advantages. Recent research led by Professor Joshua Miller from the University of Cincinnati indicates that after giving birth, mother reindeer may chew on their shed antlers to acquire necessary minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This finding was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, shedding light on the nutritional strategies of these Arctic animals during reproductive periods.

The study involved the collection and analysis of antlers and bones from reindeer and other wildlife in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge over an eight-year period from 2010 to 2018. This refuge is notable for hosting migratory herds of reindeer that travel approximately 2400 km each year for winter and spring breeding. The researchers gathered 1,567 antlers and 224 skeletal samples which, thanks to the harsh conditions of the Arctic tundra, were remarkably preserved, some even dating back centuries.

Analysis of the collected materials showed that 86% of the antlers bore signs of being chewed, with 99% of these markings attributed to reindeer themselves. While the earlier assumption was that rodents were primarily responsible for gnawing, the results revealed that less than 4% of antlers showed evidence of rodent activity. In contrast, signs of predation were noted on the skeletal remains of reindeer and other animals, indicating the role of larger carnivores like wolves and bears in the ecosystem, focused more on soft tissues rather than antlers.