Where Reindeer Live

Reindeer are a species of deer that live in the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, they are sometimes called by a different name, Caribou. They are the same animal, just known differently on different continents.

They prefer to travel and live together in herds. A herd may vary in number from twenty to up to a thousand! However, not all animals live in herds, males prefer to wander on their own, whereas females and young ones stay in a herd.

A large reindeer herd moving across open Arctic tundra, dozens of animals with antlers raised
A reindeer herd on the move, herds can range from just twenty animals to over a thousand.

Built for the Arctic

Among the lesser known facts about the caribou is that this animal is skilled at swimming, and can easily swim across huge rivers. However, they prefer snow over water.

We know that the reindeer is a tundra animal. So how does it stay warm in the freezing Arctic? Reindeer manage to withstand the harsh tundra climate because their fur has an outer layer of hollow, tubular hair. This provides insulation in cold conditions, and also gives them buoyancy when they swim.

Close-up of large, nearly circular reindeer hooves on icy snow, showing their snowshoe shape
Reindeer hooves are large and nearly circular, natural snowshoes that spread weight across the snow.

Reindeer have large hooves that are nearly circular, and act just like snowshoes! Their big feet help them walk on deep snow and dig beneath it to find food. They can also lower the temperature of their legs to just above freezing, which, combined with their coat, prevents potentially fatal heat loss from the body.

What Reindeer Eat

Their diet consists of leaves, herbs, lichens, and other plants. In fact, one of the lichens they primarily eat is named reindeer moss, after them!

A reindeer digging through Arctic snow with its hooves to reach lichen and reindeer moss below
Reindeer dig through snow with their hooves to reach the lichens and plants hidden below.

All About Antlers

You know that both males and females shed their antlers, but when they shed sets them apart. Males (called bucks) tend to shed their antlers around the end of winter, and eventually regrow them in January or February. Females (called does) and calves, on the other hand, tend to shed their antlers around March or April. There are many reasons why reindeer shed their antlers.

Take the Reindeer Facts Quiz!

5 quick questions. How much do you really know about these Arctic animals?

Sounds and Senses

Their sound is known as a bellow. They have an inflatable pouch under their throat, which helps make their sound louder during the mating (rutting) season.

Young fawns, less than or around one year old, make a clicking sound while walking. This helps other reindeer track them if they wander off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for reindeer?

In North America, reindeer are called caribou.

Do female reindeer grow antlers?

Yes, both male and female reindeer grow antlers, which they shed each year.

How fast can a reindeer run?

Reindeer can run at a constant speed of up to forty miles an hour.

What do reindeer eat?

Reindeer eat leaves, herbs, and lichens, including a lichen called reindeer moss, named after them.

Are reindeer endangered?

According to wildlife experts, reindeer numbers have dwindled due to hunting and loss of habitat.

Speed and How People Use Reindeer

Reindeer can run at a constant speed of up to forty miles an hour, and are widely used in Arctic regions to pull sleds. In fact, even a newborn reindeer can easily outrun a human athlete!

Most of the reindeer seen today are domesticated. They provide people with butter, meat, milk, and cheese. In fact, reindeer milk is rich in both proteins and fat!

Reindeer and Conservation

Sadly, according to many wildlife experts, reindeer are said to be endangered, as their numbers have dwindled of late, due to hunting and loss of habitat. We can help protect these graceful creatures by spreading awareness about them.

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