Reindeer Facts

Where do reindeer live?

They live in the Arctic tundra and the damp forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada

What are reindeer called in North America?

Caribou

Reindeer are the only deer species where both the males and females grow their _____.

Antlers

What is a reindeer’s favorite food?

Lichen, a moss-like fungi that is found in high, open spaces.

What is lichen?

A moss-like fungus that grows in high, open spaces.

For which countries is reindeer herding an important part of their culture?

Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland), Russia, China, and Mongolia

How tall can male reindeer grow?

1.2 meters at the shoulder (3.5 feet)

How heavy can male reindeer get?

Up to 250 kilograms (between 140-550 pounds)

When do males shed and regrow their antlers?

November; they regrow in February (San Diego Zoo)

When do females shed and regrow their antlers?

They don’t shed until early spring; they regrow their antlers in May.

What does it mean when a reindeer’s antlers are in velvet?

They are growing a new pair, which start off soft and fuzzy.

How soon can newborns stand after birth?

1 hour

How does a reindeer unveil their antlers after they stop growing?

After the velvet dries up, the reindeer will rub its horns against a rock or tree, unveiling the new cores underneath.

Why are reindeer feet so hairy?

They provide warmth in subzero temperatures, along with better grip in frozen landscapes. (They’re like natural snowshoes!)

Why does Up on the Housetop mention the sound, “click, click, click” at the end?

Unlike other hoofed mammals, their tendons slip over their foot bones as they walk, making a loud clicking sound.

How big do reindeer herds get?

Reindeer can live in herds between 10 to several hundred. Santa was limiting himself by only having 9 reindeer!

Are reindeer good swimmers?

Yes, they use their two-toed hooves to push through the water between 4 to 6 miles per hour.

How do northern reindeer increase their vision sensitivity in the winter?

The layer of tissue behind their retina turns blue!

How many layers of fur do reindeer have?

Two; an undercoat of fine wool and a top layer of long, hollow guard hairs.

Compared to their body size, reindeer have the _____ antlers of any living deer species

largest

A male reindeer’s antlers can grow up to ___ inches long!

51

A female reindeer’s antlers can grow up to ___ inches long!

20

Can reindeer eat carrots?

No, but Santa’s reindeer can enjoy them on Christmas Eve.

How does every reindeer have a red nose?

Reindeer have an intricate network of blood vessels in their nose, which helps warm the air before it reaches their lungs and conserve heat.

Why do reindeer click when they walk?

It signals to other reindeer where they are in low-visibility conditions.

Can reindeer see UV light?

Yes! Since snow absorbs up to 90% of UV light, being able to see objects around it helps them see predators.

What color are most reindeer in the winter?

Grey; their fur starts short and brown, but grows longer through the winter.

Who are the Northuldra people in Frozen II based off of?

The Sámi people of northern Norway. (National Geographic)

How fast can reindeer run?

Up to 50 mph

Can reindeer eat candy canes?

No, it can upset their stomach. They can also be hard to chew because of their lack of upper incisors.

What other things do reindeer eat?

Alfalfa hay, reindeer feed, apples as a treat, and raisins.

Can reindeer eat chocolate?

No, it can upset their stomach.