Wild reindeer, or caribou as they are known in North America, are icons of the northern forests and tundras. These animals are built for the cold, with thick, insulating fur and large hooves that act like snowshoes, helping them traverse deep snow and icy terrain.
During their incredible migrations, which can span thousands of kilometers, wild reindeer move in massive herds, a sight that is both breathtaking and humbling. They follow ancient routes in search of food, relying on their acute sense of smell to locate lichen buried beneath the snow.
Reindeer are also deeply intertwined with the cultures of Indigenous Arctic peoples, who depend on them for food, clothing, and transportation. Despite their resilience, climate change and habitat loss pose significant threats to their survival. Protecting these majestic creatures and their habitats is essential to preserving the delicate balance of their ecosystems.