With holiday events fast approaching, it’s time to brush up on your Christmas critter knowledge! No animal better symbolizes Christmas than a reindeer, but few people actually know the differences between them and other deer species like elk. Let’s learn more about these antlered animals so you can be an expert at your upcoming Christmas gatherings.
What is a reindeer?
Best known for pulling Santa’s sleigh, reindeer are a large species of deer native to northern regions of North America, Europe and Siberia. Reindeer are commonly found in large herds and are the only large group of semi-successfully domesticated deer in the world. Reindeer are also unique among other species in that female reindeer also carry antlers and may keep them all year, unlike the males.
Being a cold-weather migratory species, reindeer are equipped with deeply cloven hooves and a thick coat to help protect them from sub zero temperatures. In comparison to body size, reindeer have the heaviest and largest antlers of any deer species, with some male’s antlers reaching up to 51 inches long.
Did you know that all male reindeer drop their antlers by November and won’t grow them back until the following Spring? This means that all of Santa’s reindeer are female!
What is a caribou?
Similar to how a mountain lion and cougar are used interchangeably to describe the same species, the names caribou and reindeer both refer to the same animal. Reindeer and caribou are both classified as the same genus and species, Rangifer tarandus.
The difference in names come from the different regions this species is native to. In Europe, they are referred to as reindeer but in North America they are more commonly called caribou if they are wild. Despite this distinction, all domesticated individuals are referred to as reindeer.
What is an elk?
One species of deer that is commonly confused with reindeer is the elk. The second largest member of the deer family, elk are known for their tremendous size and booming bugle call. Elk typically live in herds made up of females and their young, with a dominant male present during the mating season. During other seasons, males can be found alone or in small bachelor groups.
American elk can be found in Wichita here at the Sedgwick County Zoo, with one male and two females as our current residents. See them up close in the North American Prairie area located near the back of the Zoo.
The most prominent feature of an elk is their antlers, which on some healthy males can weigh up to 40 pounds. These impressive antlers are used to attract females as well as to defend their territory from other elk bulls. In late winter to early spring, an elk will shed their antlers and regrow a new pair for the upcoming mating season.
What are the differences?
Now you’re ready to show off your reindeer vs elk knowledge just in time for Christmas! Be sure to check out the list below for a refresher and be sure to share your expertise with friends and family this holiday season.
Reindeer (Caribou)
- Native to the Arctic, tundra forests of North America, Greenland, Northern Europe, and Russia.
- Can weigh up to 140-550 pounds.
- Around 28-53 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Male antlers grow in February, shed in November
- Females have antlers
- Built for cold temperatures, have thick coats that are dark brown to pale white
Elk
- Native to a wide area of grasslands, forest edges, desert valleys and mountain ranges.
- Can weigh 600-1,100 pounds.
- Around 5 feet tall at the shoulder.
- Antlers shed between January-April, grow new pair immediately after
- Females do not have antlers
- Built for a wide range of habitats and grasslands, have a light brown or reddish coat
