Fun Friday: Reindeer Games

by
posted on December 15, 2017
caribou_animal_gazes.jpg

This Fun Friday, we're examining the myths and reality behind this season's iconic animal: the reindeer. Well, more properly, the caribou. Basically, there's no real difference between the two; they're the same species (Rangifer tarandus). Essentially, the reindeer is simply the slightly smaller, domesticated version of this member of the deer family. What's interesting is that the reindeer was domesticated in Europe at approximately the same time this season became so important to Christians worldwide—about 2,000 years. 

Whatever you call it, you'll only find it where it's cold. Caribou live in the tundra regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland as well as the subarctic and arctic areas of Asia and Europe.  Caribou tend to stay on the move, traveling up to 50 miles per day across the tundra. When the spring comes, the caribou move up north to their calving grounds. Because they don’t hibernate, the herd moves down south in the wintertime. Caribou are grazing herbivores whose diet consists of lichen, mushrooms and grass-like plants called sedges, and they use their cloven hooves to scoop to away snow and dig down to the food below, which they detect with their keen sense of smell. The caribou’s fur is very soft and warm, and the fibers in its coat are hollow, which help it to shed snow and water...making their fur ideal for cold-weather wear for humans.

When domesticated, caribou/reindeer have been used to pull sleighs and wagons for centuries, which is probably what helped cement the reindeer's place in popular culture as Santa's preferred beasts of burden. There are other, larger herd animals up North (such as the musk ox), that could conceivably serve just as well for Santa's sleigh...but they just don't have the sizzle. Caribou are good-looking critters, and one of the only deer species in which both males and females grow antlers.

Additional reindeer games: 

  • Alaska’s population of caribou outnumbers people—twice as many caribou as humans inhabit the state.
  • Every year after the breeding season ends, the male caribou sheds its antlers and grows a new set. The females keep their antlers throughout the winter.
  • The caribou’s main (non-human) predators are bear and wolves.
  • During the “rut” or breeding season, the males battle for dominance over the herd.

Latest

Homan Imperato Lede
Homan Imperato Lede

Henry Repeating Arms & National Police Defense Foundation Honor American Heroes

Border Czar Tom Homan joined Henry CEO Anthony Imperato to create a one-of-a-kind rifle and display case for auction.

Turkey-Hunting Tips: You're Not the Only Predator

Winchester Deadly Passion Ambassador and NRAWomen.com writer Melissa Bachman wanted to take a boss gobbler, but it turned out she needed to take a number ...

NRA Gun Safety Training Brings Families Together

Recognized the world over, NRA training offers a safe, supportive entry to your family’s favorite new hobby.

Georgia Peaches! Hunters for the Hungry Donate 86K Pounds of Venison

These hunters aren't just managing wildlife — they’re feeding neighbors and strengthening communities.

First Impressions: Girsan MC1911 Gold Lux .38 Super

Don't let the name throw you off; despite its beauty and quality, this 1911-style pistol is surprisingly affordable.

Wild Wings: 6 Young Women & Their First Pheasants

Here's how a community comes together to introduce youth who've never hunted before to a sport they'll never abandon.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.