Reindeer
(Rangifer tarandus)
Reindeer – 7 Interesting Facts
- (Rangifer tarandus) Reindeer is a species of deer (family Cervidae) found in the Arctictundra and adjacentboreal forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada.
- Reindeer and Caribou are the same animal. They are a member of the deer family. In Europe, they are called Reindeer. In North America, they are called Caribou. If domesticated, they are called reindeer.
- The name “reindeer” originates from the old Norse word “hreinn” for deer. It has nothing to do with the reins on a sled. The name “caribou” originates from the French, the Mi’kmag “qalipu,” meaning “snow shoveler.”
- Reindeer are covered in hair from their nose to the bottom of their feet. The hairy hooves give reindeer a good grip when walking on frozen ground, snow, ice or mud.
- This is the only deer species to have hair completely covering their nose. Their specialized nose helps to warm incoming cold air before it enters their lungs.
- It has an excellent sense of smell which helps the reindeer find food hidden under snow, locate danger, and recognize direction.
- Both the male and female reindeer grow antlers. With most other deer species, only the males have antlers. The Reindeer antlers fall off and grow back larger each year.
