Caribou

The Caribou, also known as reindeer, is a widespread species of the Arctic and Subarctic regions. These animals are found on the territory of Scandinavia, Russia, Eastern Europe, Mongolia, northern China, Canada, Alaska, and several U.S. States from Washington to Maine. In some places, the Caribou occurs in a wild state; in others it’s a semi-domesticated animal. Wild Caribou have disappeared from the most part of their historical range. Today, they are found only in Siberia, Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Greenland. Herds of domesticated Caribou are found in Scandinavia, Iceland, and Siberia.

The Caribou is a middle-sized deer with males weighing up to 300 kg. Females are much smaller with an average weight up to 170 kg. Both sexes in this species have antlers, but the antlers of males are larger and with more points. Wild Caribou are longer-legged and lighter than their domesticated variety.

Caribou are well adapted to cold. Their coat is very dense and weather proof. The outer coat is made up of hollow hairs. The nose of the Caribou has additional bones that increase the surface area and warm the incoming air. The hooves of the Caribou adapt to the season. They are spongy in summer to provide extra traction in soft and wet tundra. In winter, their pads tighten to break the ice and dig up lichen (reindeer moss) from the snow.

The Caribou is a very effective grazer. It’s a ruminant with a four-chambered stomach. In winter, these animals feed mostly on lichens; in summer, they consume a variety of grasses and leaves. Occasionally, Caribou eat bird eggs and even lemmings. In search for food, the Caribou migrates the furthest of any terrestrial species. In North America, these animals travel as much as 5,000 km a year. They are able to reach the speed of 80km/h. In fall, Caribou herds divide into small groups and mating begins. In winter, they travel to forested areas where they can find lichens under the snow. In spring, they move to the calving grounds higher in the mountains to secure the calves from predators. Migrating Caribou herds easily cross broad rivers and lakes.