Reindeer are animals often associated with Christmas and winter. Did you know reindeer are the only deer species where the females grow antlers?
Reindeer facts for kids
Reindeer are usually 4-5 feet tall!
Reindeer antlers are often around 3ft long.
A double-layered coat helps reindeer to stay warm. The top layer has long hollow hairs which trap air to help keep the reindeer warm.
Male reindeer can weigh over 500 pounds!
Reindeer have cloven hooves, which help to spread their weight on the snow, a bit like a snowshoe.
In North America, reindeer are known as Caribou.
Reindeer like to move around and live in huge herds!
Both male and female reindeer have antlers. The antlers are shed each year. Male reindeer shed their antlers in November, while females keep them until springtime when their calves are born.
Reindeer are primarily found in Scandinavia, Greenland, Alaska, Canada, Russia and Iceland.
Wild reindeer live around 15 years.
Reindeer have several predators, including wolves, bears and humans.
The diet of a reindeer is mostly leaves, fungi and lichen.
Reindeer have a special nose full of blood vessels, which help warm air before it enters their lungs.
Reindeer activities for kids
Make a reindeer food chain.
Create a reindeer lava lamp.
Make flying reindeer like Team Cartright.
Last Updated on December 15, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
