Fun Facts About Reindeer

We usually only think about reindeer during the Christmas season, normally when reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" or singing "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer". Actually, reindeer are quite fascinating animals, not at all like how they are depicted in prose or song. Take this little true/false quiz and read the following explanations. See how much you really know about reindeer! Most facts can be found at Wikipedia.

Reindeer are noted for their longevity, with life spans of 70 years.

All reindeer are carnivores. (meat eaters)

Reindeer are wild animals that always live in the forest.

Both male and female reindeer have antlers.

Being very large animals, the average reindeer height is over six foot.

Cervidae is the family name of reindeer.

Reindeer are called caribou in North America.

Reindeer are strong swimmers.

Reindeer have white tails and necks.

In North America, reindeer have been seen as far south as Montana.

Take a look at your answers and compare with the real facts. How well did you do?

False. The average maximum age for Reindeer is about 4 years. Insects, predation and the climate are the main factors causing early mortality.

False. The reindeer is an herbivore (a plant-eater). During the winter, reindeer paw through the snow to find greens and moss to eat. In warmer months, they eat leaves and herbs.

False. Reindeer are believed by many to be the first domesticated animals.

True. males & females both grow antlers that are deciduous, solid antlers which grow from permanent bases or pedicles on the frontal bones of the skull.

False. Reindeer are about 4 feet tall at the shoulder and about 6 feet long.

True. Reindeer are of the family Cervidae-which means deer.

True. The caribou is the "cousin" of the reindeer.

True. Reindeer are strong runners and very good swimmers.

True. Reindeer have a short, dark summer coat and a thick, lighter colored winter coat. Reindeer also have white tails and necks.

False. Reindeer are found in Arctic tundra, forests, and mountains in Russia, Northern China, Canada, Scandinavia and Alaska.

Even though we don't think about reindeer every day, it is still fun to learn new and interesting facts about them. Using the ten facts you have learned from this article may lead you to impress your friends with all of your knowledge this Holiday season. Reindeer are fascinating animals and exsist in real life, as well as fantasy. Who knows, Rudolph may even pay you a visit this Holiday Season!