As the name implies, reindeer are a species of deer. Elk and moose are the largest species of deer. All species of deer have antlers which each year are grown, shed, and dropped. Other animals resembling deer, such as antelope, have horns which never fall off.

Antlers and horns are used for several reasons. The males, or bucks, use them to defend their territories against male rivals. They also use them to protect themselves from predators, such as wolves, bears, and coyotes. Females use antlers to protect themselves and their young fawns from danger. Reindeer are the only species of deer in which both males and females exhibit antlers. However, the males typically have much larger “racks”.

In North America reindeer are called caribou. Reindeer and caribou are the same animal, just named differently depending on locality. Reindeer are “farmed” up North in Scandanavia and Russia, and used for food, milk, clothing, and shelter. They are also fairly easily trained, and kept as pets.

Reindeer cannot fly, except at Christmas time!

Merry Christmas!