Reindeer are popular animals. They often appear in images and music. Prominent for pulling Santa’s sleigh. They belong to deer species. Read on to find out interesting facts about reindeer.

Latin word for Reindeer

The Latin word for reindeer is Rangifer Tarandus. It is also the scientific name for the species commonly called reindeer. More than dozens of sub-species of the animal exist.

Are Caribou and Reindeer the same?

Caribou and reindeer are the two names for the same animal. Europeans call them reindeer while in America the animal has two names depending where they live. The domestic ones are called reindeer. The reindeer that live in a wild environment are called caribou.

The word caribou has French origin. It means “Snow Shoveller”.

Male and female both have antlers

Both male and female reindeer grow antlers. Reindeer are native to the Arctic and Subarctic area. They are also found in Northern Europe, North America and Siberia.

They travel a lot

Reindeer travel a lot. They can travel 3000 miles in the wild in just a single year.

Favorite Animal of Finland’s Locals

Saami are the aboriginals of Finland. These people have around 400 words for the things they obtain from reindeer such as tools and other products. The Saami people call them “Raingo”.

Antlers grow back each year

The adult male antlers wane in December while that of young reindeer in early spring. The female reindeer lose their antlers when they give birth in early summers.

Velvet Reindeer

Once the antlers start growing back they are covered with a fur called velvet. When the antlers are fully developed the reindeer remove the dried up velvet by rubbing it to different surfaces.

Locked Antlers

Locked antlers of two male reindeer means fight. They fight to get the right to mate with the female of their choice.

Reindeer Beards

Yes! Reindeer grow beards. In the winter reindeer grow beards to protect their nose as they graze in snow. How smart.

Specially Developed Nose

Reindeer’s nose has the ability to warm the air that gets inside it so that no cold air reaches the lungs.

 Reindeer’s Hooves

Just like the nose the reindeer’s hooves shrink in winter as the ground becomes icy and hard. So a tighter hoove gives better grip. In summer, the hooves expand as the ground becomes soft.

They are domesticated

It is not new to domesticate reindeers. They have been domesticated since the ages. People farmed them for milk, hides and meat. Reindeers are hunted for their beautiful antlers.

Weight of average reindeer

An average male reindeer weighs between 65 to 240 kilograms. The female reindeers weigh 55 to 140 kg. The weight of reindeers varies drastically between different seasons.

Height of Reindeer

Like weight their height also varies in both genders. Males are more heavy and heighted. They can grow to 23 to 53 inches tall. Female reindeers being smaller can measure 5.5 to 6.2.

White and Dark Fur

Peary Caribou (Northern types) have white fur while woodland caribou (Southern types) have dark fur

Svalbard Reindeer

Svalbard reindeer are native to Svalbard archipelago Norway. This subspecies of reindeer is small due to insular dwarfism.

Food of Wolves

Reindeer are prey of wolf. Mostly wolves target sick or young reindeer.

Herbivores

Reindeer are herbivores and they are able to see ultraviolet light.

Santa’s reindeer are Comet, Rudolph, Dasher, Cupid, Prancer, Blitzen, Dancer and Vixen. Hope you enjoyed reading facts about reindeer. Share your thoughts in the comments below.