Reindeer

Rangifer tarandus
 
Body Length:4'–7'
Height:33"–59" at the shoulder
Weight:Males: 200–460 lbs; Females: 170–260 lbs
Geographic Distribution:Northernmost lands around the world, including Scandinavia, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and European Russia
Habitat:Arctic tundra and woodland edges
Wild Diet:Primarily lichens, as well as plants and fungus 

Zoo Diet:Low fiber diet, a commercial, pelleted diet, alfalfa, fruits, and vegetables 
Status in the Wild:Least Concern
Location:Hamill Family Wild Encounters

Reindeer are found in arctic Asia and Europe. They are different from all other deer because their nose is covered with fur and both sexes have antlers. Antlers are made of solid living bone. No two sets of antlers are alike. Antlers grow out of small bony platforms called pedicles. They are covered with velvet, a soft tissue that supplies necessary nutrients. When the antlers finish growing, the velvet dries up and is rubbed off. A new set of antlers is grown each year, growing faster than any other kind of bone. Reindeer's adaptations to cold include hollow hairs that act as insulation by trapping body heat. Two broad-hoofed toes help support them on snowy or boggy ground. Fatty tissue keeps the feet flexible in subzero weather. Sharp edges on the hooves help prevent slipping on the ice. In the summer, the edges wear down, exposing a spongy pad that helps support them on softer ground.
 

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