Reindeer

Reindeer have an amazing sense of smell and can find lichen and moss under deep snow, and lichens are a crucial food source for reindeer in the winter, when grazing opportunities are slim. They use their hooves and antlers to dig through snow to eat the lichens clinging to the ground beneath. In recent years, winter warm periods bring rains, often on top of existing snow. This creates layers of ice, which are much harder for reindeer to dig through and makes accessing food difficult and energy intensive. The winter health of reindeer is crucial as many of the females will be carrying their young whose development and survival depends on her access to winter foods. It is very important to not disturb the reindeer in the winter as it leads to increased energetic costs and reduced time foraging. Enjoy them from a distance.

Image: Elisa Ferrari