Reindeer Facts

• Reindeer have been domesticated for thousands of years in Russia and Scandinavia and were first imported to Canada in 1908.

• Both male and female reindeer grow antlers which are shed every year.

• Mature females range in body weight from 150 to 200 pounds, males from 300 to 400 pounds.

• Female reindeer give birth in April/May and usually have one calf, weighing in at approximately 8 to 16 pounds.The newborns are up and travelling with the herd by one hour of age.

• Reindeer are well adapted to cold climates with their hollow guard hair and fine dense wool undercoat.

• They have broad hoofs that act as snowshoes and also enable them to dig through snow in search of food.

• Reindeer eat less in winter than summer.

• They are gentle and docile animals that are easy to handle.