Dec 21 2008
Reindeer verses Caribou!
Reindeer or Caribou… that is the question??? Seems that there isn’t much difference between a Reindeer and a Caribou, except that the Reindeer are domesticated… in other words… farmed. The Caribou run free in the wilds of Alaska, and the Reindeer are fenced in.
Both the male and females have antlers, which are used like shovels in the winter digging through the snow so they can uncover the dried grass and roots on the ground, which they eat. They also are used for protection, and the bulls use them on each other during the rutting (mating) season.
Wild Caribou in Alaska
Photo by Mike Kingston
The huge antlers are shed (fall off) and they grow a new pair every year. I must say… the antlers give the caribou/reindeer a majestic look. I have lifted the antlers and they are heavy. They shed one antler at a time.. Seems they would be walking around off balance with just one antler left. I haven’t seen one like that yet, but would love too! 
Later…
K
