The Reindeer differs from other deer in that both sexes carry antlers. The Reindeer has a long head and rump, and rather long legs. The tail is short. The hooves are broad and rounded and have 'pseudo-claws' to the side, which help the Reindeer to move in deep snow. The hooves make a characteristic clacking sound as the reindeer moves. The male has a 'mane' of thick fur around the lower part of its neck. The colour of the coat varies, but is often a grey-white colour, or a light brown.
Because of the barren and treacherous habitat in which the reindeer lives in, they must migrate to find enough food. They will migrate up to 1000km. Some herds are stationary though. Reindeer were an important source of food for early man, in the Pleistocene. In fact Reindeer can be domesticated and in Northern Scandinavia the 'sami' culture is based on these animals, which are semi-farmed, although they are more or less wild. In North America there has been a dramatic fall in Reindeer populations, and in Europe they are now only found in Scandinavia and Russia in any kind of numbers.
They can live for 12-15 years. The Rut is in September and the single young is born after 190-240 days. They are weaned at 5-6 months of age.
Reindeer are the characteristic deer of the North. They live in the tundra or the taiga areas of North Europe and Northern Americas. In North America they are known as the Caribou, here they undertake long migrations. They travel north to graze in the summer months, and return again in the winter to shelter.
What do Reindeer look like?
Reindeer are adapted to living in cold climates. The females possess antlers so that they can use them to sweep snow off their food in winter. In native Amercian languages 'Caribou' means 'shovel', in reference to how they scrape snow away from the ground so they can eat.
They also have especially broad sprayed hooves. They make a characteristic clicking sound as the reindeer move. The broad hooves mean the Reindeer do not sink into soft snow and can travel long distances easily.
What do Reindeer eat?
Reindeer have a very broad diet. They have to be adaptable because of where they live. They will eat grasses, sedges and lichens.
Can Reindeer be domesticated?
Reindeer can be domesticated to a certain extent. There is a reindeer farm at Aviemore, in Northern Scotland. The traditional way of life for the Sami people of Northern Scandinavia involves following Reindeer herds. The Sami take milk and meat from the Reindeer, and in return protect then from predators. They live a semi-nomadic life, following their herds.
Do they have a social life?
The females stay in large herds throughout the year. The males are more solitary and follow the herd separately some way behind. They join the herd for the rutting season in September. Calves are born in May and June and can walk within minutes of being born. Allowing them to follow the herds and stay safe from predators from a very young age.