There is just nobody who did not come across the picture of Santa Claus on his reindeer sledding on Christmas Eve. Caribou is another name for a reindeer. Did you know if there are species of deer that shed their antlers almost every year? Here are 20+ interesting reindeer facts for Kids
But What Is A Reindeer?
Reindeer is an animal seen in North America. They are known as Caribou mostly but when on domestication, they are known as Reindeer. Domesticated animals are kept as pets. They live on farms in Europe. In diet, reindeer prefer eating lichen, carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins.
Deer families include animals such as deer, elk, moose, and wapiti. The male reindeer aren’t called bucks, does, or fawns. They share the same terminology as the cattle. A group of reindeer together is called a herd. They have excellent sniffers.
There are only one main species of caribou/ reindeer. But, there are 7 sub-spices of this family. It includes Barrenground Caribou, Svalbard Caribou, European Caribou, Finnish Caribou, Greenland Caribou, and Woodland Caribou.
Where Can You Find Reindeer?
They are also found in Northern Europe, Greenland, and Russia. And, for kids, reindeer live with Santa Claus at The North Pole.
Read these reindeer facts for small kids who want to find out the best information about reindeer!
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What Are The Reindeer Facts For Kids?
Reindeers never stay in all places all throughout the year. The eyes of the reindeer change their color. In the summertime, their eyes are golden brown in color. But in winters, they look blue.
There are multiple exciting facts about this specific animal! Now, let us learn about the fun facts about reindeer and normal facts for kids!
1. Reindeers are large deer with four legs, short tails, and antlers
2. These animals live up to 14-15 years!
3. Antlers are seen in both male and female reindeer
4. Once they shed their antlers, other animals make it their food
5. The antlers are like our fingerprints but no two are alike!
6. Reindeers feed on plants and veggies
7. Reindeers are called caribou in America and reindeers in Europe
8. In folklore, Santa Claus’s sleigh is pulled by reindeer
9. Reindeer can’t fly but can swim
10. Santa’s all reindeer were Dancer, Dasher, Vixen, Cupid, Blitzen, Comet, Prance, and the most famous Rudolph- The red nose reindeer
11. The scientific name of this specie is called Rangifer Tarandus
12. Reindeer are found in the coldest places on earth
13. Reindeers live in the Northern parts of North America in Canada and Alaska
14. Reindeers hail from the Deer family and are a part of the Cervidae family also
15. Reindeer is an animal seen in North America and are domesticated on farms
16. Reindeers are on earth for over the last 21,500 years
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What Are The Fun Facts About Reindeer?
17. Reindeer and Caribou are the same animals
18. Reindeers are called fictional sidekicks of Santa Claus
19. Antlers fall off and grow back larger each year, dissimilar to horns
20. Reindeers can run at a speed of 60-80 km/hour
21. Reindeers can vertically jump up to 25 feet
22. The top speed of a specific reindeer is around 30 miles/hour
23. Reindeers sleep in series of naps and are associated with rumination
24. The babies of the reindeer are called Calf
25. Reindeer is an adaption of an Old Norse word known as Hreindyri
26. Reindeers cannot fly but with an extra hoof a reindeer climb upon rugged terrain
27. Reindeers are endowed with large feet with four toes on each hoof
28. Reindeers make a clicking sound from their feet when they walk
29. Their hooves change with the seasons
30. Reindeers can see things that man cannot see
What Do The Reindeers Feed On?
Reindeers are mammals who give birth to babies. And, their calves are wholly spotless. Another fact about these animals produces super milk and feed on lichens, mosses, herbs, ferns, shoots, leaves, shrubs as well as trees. They also eat willow and birch.
During winters, they make do with the fungi, scraping the snow away with the hooves to get it. An adult reindeer eats approximately 9-17 pounds of vegetation daily.
To be very true, reindeer are the only species that can be domesticated wildly. They are used as beasts of burden and farmed for their milk, hides, and meat for all.
FAQs
Q1. What is the other name of Reindeer?
Ans1. The other name for Reindeer is Caribou. The scientific name of reindeer is Rangifer Tarandus.
Q2. What is a baby reindeer called?
Ans2. A reindeer’s baby is called Calf. They are spotless babies.
Q3. What is elk vs. caribou vs. Reindeer?
Ans3. All these are a part of the deer family. Elk-like animals are large and wild. Caribou and reindeer are the same. They can be domesticated while elk cannot be domesticated. They are slightly smaller than Elks.
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