ORIGINALLY FROM EUROPE, RED DEER (DISTANT COUSINS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN ELK) ARE NOW INHABITANTS OF 6 CONTINENTS, AND WIDELY KNOWN AS A POPULAR GAME SPECIES. BACK DURING THE DAYS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, RED DEER WERE USED TO PULL WAGONS AND CARS IN THE FESTIVALS HONORING DIANA, THE GODDESS OF HUNTING. EVERY YEAR, RED DEER MALES (MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS RED STAGS) GROW ANTLER FOR PROTECTION FROM PREDATORS, AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING DOMINANCE WITH OTHER MALES DURING BREEDING SEASON. AT THE END OF WINTER, WHEN BREEDING SEASON IS OVER, THE MALES NATURALLY SHED THEIR ANTLERS TO GET READY TO GROW NEW ONES FOR NEXT YEAR.