Discover How Reindeer Have Been Loyal Companions to Humans for Thousands of Years

Many people picture reindeer’s personalities to be similar to Santa Claus’s reindeer, and for the most part, they’re not wrong. Reindeer are very friendly and welcoming animals that have helped humans in many ways for thousands of years. From simple companions to sled-pullers, reindeer are still used for many activities today.

In this article, we’ll learn how humans relate to reindeer, how friendly they are, and how they’re used around the world. Let’s get started!

Are Reindeer Friendly?

In North America, the term reindeer typically refers to domesticated varieties of the animal. However, it can also refer to wild reindeer of Eurasia. The term caribou is preferred when talking about wild American reindeer. They are pretty friendly to humans, primarily because they are herbivores. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that a reindeer will not try to eat you.

This is more than can be said about most other animals that inhabit freezing regions of the world. Polar bears, for example, tend to attack and sometimes eat humans, especially when hungry, and most other animals there are scary in one way or another. In this manner, reindeer stand out as true friends among foes.

The Domestication of Reindeer

There are many examples of reindeer domestication through the centuries. Its thought that the first people to domesticate reindeer were the native Nenets of Siberia about two thousand years ago.

The Sämi people of Scandinavia have been herders of reindeer for thousands of years. Domesticating reindeer is a great move, as reindeer can provide everything a human needs to survive — food, clothing, and materials to make tools and shelter. But are reindeer friendly? Short answer: yes, they are! Long answer: yes, and some cultures throughout the centuries have taken a step further and incorporated them into their everyday lives.

How Are Reindeer Used in Real Life?

Reindeer are principally used for pulling sleds. In fact, very old, 1800-year-old Chinese manuscripts talk about domesticated reindeer, and Marco Polo even mentioned them over a thousand years later. Although they are tough to ride, some communities use them like we use horses. After all, they’re a powerhouse of strength and endurance and have such adaptability that using them is an obvious advantage in harsh climates.

Additionally, they act as ample food and nutrition sources, as not only can their meat be eaten, but there is also evidence that humans used to milk reindeer like cows. Furthermore, clothing made of their incredibly dense fur is highly regarded and sought-after. There are also some more esoteric uses for them. In much of Asia, their antlers, once shed, are crushed and sold as aphrodisiacs.