Antlers
Both sexes have antlers, which is unique among deer species.
Behaviour patterns
This is a migrating herd animal led by dominant individuals. The impulse to form herds is strengthened if there are predators nearby: A herd can more easily than a solitary individual detect enemies. If the food supply varies over the year, reindeer develop migratory patterns.
Those in North America (called caribou)travel over 1000 kilometres between their summer and winter ranges.
Diet
In summer, the reindeer graze on grasses, herbs and shrubs. Mushrooms are much enjoyed. Lichens, an important winter food, are pawed free of the snow cover or grazed from trees.
