A few days ago, i did more research on reindeer for my latest book: A Reindear Tale, about the year Santa’s team were all female. Thanks to “reindeer whisperer,” Scott Allen, I had the opportunity to meet some reindeer up close, both males and females. Who knew research could be such fun?
Reindeer are shy, but curious. They will respond to the calling of a familiar person, especially when that person is holding hay. Although March is probably not the best time to observe the gender differences, it's a great time to see them shedding their winter coats. Below the dense coat is a body that is completely black. Scott says their natural black hairs get bleached by the sun – kind of like a reverse sun tan!
From the pictures it’s hard to discern the males from the females since the males have already shed their antlers and are in the process of growing new ones. This stage of antler development is called “velvet” because the antlers have a dark brown soft covering that eventually become hard bony protrusions on their heads. The females are in the process of shedding their antlers. Several still had their full antlers. Scott says at this stage the only way to tell males from females is to “look underneath.” Yup, an easy way to spot the difference. Well, duh!
If you love reindeer, you may want to check out these websites for some interesting facts about the most famous carriers in the world, (except maybe for the stork).
www.earthtouchnews.com
www.mnn.com
Reindeer are shy, but curious. They will respond to the calling of a familiar person, especially when that person is holding hay. Although March is probably not the best time to observe the gender differences, it's a great time to see them shedding their winter coats. Below the dense coat is a body that is completely black. Scott says their natural black hairs get bleached by the sun – kind of like a reverse sun tan!
From the pictures it’s hard to discern the males from the females since the males have already shed their antlers and are in the process of growing new ones. This stage of antler development is called “velvet” because the antlers have a dark brown soft covering that eventually become hard bony protrusions on their heads. The females are in the process of shedding their antlers. Several still had their full antlers. Scott says at this stage the only way to tell males from females is to “look underneath.” Yup, an easy way to spot the difference. Well, duh!
If you love reindeer, you may want to check out these websites for some interesting facts about the most famous carriers in the world, (except maybe for the stork).
www.earthtouchnews.com
www.mnn.com
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PS - George, the giraffe, a big guy, so sweet. I would have taken him home with me, but he wouldn’t fit in my car. He stole my heart AND my cracker! :)
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