Where are Caribou found in the wild?

Caribou live in the vast tundra and boreal forests of northern Eurasia, exploring areas like Canada, Norway, and Russia. They thrive in cold climates, often migrating in herds across snowy landscapes in search of food, making their homes in this unique and beautiful environment!

"Caribou (16272522662)" by Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Caribou

Join the incredible journey of majestic Arctic wanderers!

"Caribou (16272522662)" by Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Rangifer tarandus

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Location

Eurasia

Average size

4 to 5 feet tall

diet

Lichens, leaves, grasses

lifespan

15 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Caribou, also known as reindeer, are amazing mammals that roam the northern regions of Eurasia. These animals can grow to be about 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall (4 to 5 feet), making them quite tall for their hooved friends!
These graceful creatures belong to the Cervidae family, which includes other deer species. They have impressive antlers, which are among the largest of any deer family member—an antler-ly amazing feature!
Caribou are herbivores, munching on lichens, leaves, and grasses to fuel their adventures. They are nature's lawnmowers, keeping the tundra tidy while enjoying their greens!
Caribou typically live around 15 years in the wild. Their long lifespan allows them to grow strong and wise in their icy habitats.
During the winter months, caribou travel in large herds to find food. They are excellent travelers and can cover up to 800 kilometers (497 miles) in search of tasty treats!
These magnificent mammals have a special adaptation: they can see ultraviolet light, helping them spot food hidden under the snow. That gives them an edge when hunting for their next meal on chilly days!
Caribou face various challenges in their habitats, but they remain a vital part of the ecosystem! They help support other species and keep the balance in nature, proving that teamwork is key in the great outdoors!

Where can you find a Caribou in the wild?

What does a Caribou eat?

How big can a Caribou grow?

How long does a Caribou typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Caribou?

What are the main threats to the Caribou?

wowzerful facts

Caribou have a super cool trick: they can see ultraviolet light! This special ability helps them find food hiding under the snow, making them amazing winter foragers.

During the winter, caribou travel in big herds to find food. They can march up to an incredible 800 kilometers (497 miles) in search of delicious snacks, making them nature's long-distance champions!

Caribou can grow impressive antlers that can reach up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length! The males use these gigantic tools to fight each other for mates, like a fierce battle of nature's cowboys.

When caribou get cold, they look for warmth in big groups, snuggling together like furry giants. This helps them stay cozy against freezing temperatures in the tundra.

Baby caribou, called calves, can stand and run shortly after they are born! This impressive skill helps them keep up with their fast-moving family right from the start.

Some caribou can weigh as much as 250 kilograms (550 pounds)! That's like having a big dog in your living room, but much more majestic and covered in fur!

Caribou have an extraordinary sense of smell, allowing them to sniff out food buried beneath meters of snow. It's like having a super-powered nose that helps them snack in winter!

These animals have furry, insulated hooves that keep their feet warm. Their hooves act like snowshoes, helping them walk on soft snow without sinking!

Their fur changes color with the seasons! In the summer, caribou have lighter coats to stay cool, while in winter, their fur becomes darker to absorb more heat from the sun.

Caribou can travel across frozen rivers during their migrations, showing off their adventurer skills. They cross these icy paths like expert explorers on a snowy quest!