12 Incredible Reindeer Facts for Christmas

It’s that time of year again. Christmas decorations abound, Santa Claus often displayed with his eight loyal reindeer- nine if you count the beloved Rudolph! It’s these beautiful critters that allow Santa to visit all the youngsters on Christmas Eve. Their presence and our capacity to study and engage them for millennia are amazing! But how well-versed are you in the fascinating world of reindeer?

Just in time for the holidays, here are twelve incredible reindeer facts!

12. Reindeer Have Different Names Across the World

Technically a species of deer, a reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is classified as a member of the Cervidae family and is also known as caribou in certain regions. Domestic reindeer are known as reindeer in North America, while wild caribou are known as caribou. In Europe, they are known as reindeer regardless.

11. Reindeer Have Unique Winter Adaptations

Reindeer prefer the cold, snowy climates of the northern hemisphere winters. It is difficult for a reindeer to survive outside of the frigid air. As a result, they tend to congregate in northern latitudes like Alaska, Canada, Europe, and Russia.

Because they spend 40% of their lives in the snow, reindeer have developed several unique adaptations. To help them stand on snow and squishy ground, their split-in-two cloven hooves provide traction. They’re also great swimmers, and their hollow fur helps keep them warm.

10. Like Rudolph, Reindeer Have “Red” Noses

Much like Rudolph, reindeer can have “red” noses, too. The reindeer has a network of small veins to circulate heated blood around their nose to keep the air they intake warm. In freezing weather, these blood vessels supply and regulate the body’s temperature while also tinting the reindeer’s nose pinkish-red!

9. Reindeer “Click-Clack” as They Walk

When reindeer walk, they produce a clicking sound. This “click-clack” is caused by the sesamoid bones of their feet snapping over the tendons. When it’s snowing or foggy, experts believe that the clicking helps herd members stay connected.

8. Reindeer are Social Creatures

In their natural habitat, reindeer form large groups known as herds. In herds of ten or more reindeer, they travel, rest, and eat together. During spring, the number of members of their group grows significantly and can reach thousands!

7. There is a Herd of Reindeer the Size of Seattle

Russia has the biggest population of reindeer, with an average of 700,000 reindeer in its largest herd. That’s about the same population as Seattle, Washington! Canada has the second-largest herd with an average of 200,000 reindeer. The number of reindeer in the wild is rapidly dwindling, and the species is now classified as vulnerable.

6. Baby Reindeer are Called Calves

Baby reindeer are called calves, as are baby moose and cows. However, other baby deer species are commonly called fawns, making it even more interesting that baby reindeer do not have the same classification.

5. Reindeer Have the Largest Antlers of Any Deer

Reindeer are the fifth largest species of deer, and adult reindeer have the largest antlers compared to their body out of all the deer species. For reindeer antlers to grow stronger and more stable, they shed their antlers once a year.

4. Reindeers Communicate Like Dogs

Reindeer use grunts and barks to communicate with one another, much like dogs do. They also use their bodies to communicate with each other. They use these sounds and displays for mating, as well as alerting their herds or calves if they become separated or threatened.

3. Reindeer Females Have Antlers

Reindeer are the only deer species in which the females grow antlers, making them unique among deer! This is because even female reindeer need antlers to dig through snow and soil in search of food and to defend themselves in rough terrains.

2. Reindeer Have a 20-Year Lifespan

A wild adult reindeer or caribou can live up to 20 years in captivity, although the typical lifespan is about 15 years. Males have a shorter life than females- often as much as four years less.

1. Male Reindeers Are Bulls and Females Are Cows

Male reindeer are also called bull or stag, and female reindeer are referred to as cows. Male reindeer are distinguished from females by their larger stature, tougher hooves, and more impressive antlers.