What Are Baby Reindeer Called?
Generally, baby reindeer are called calves, from the singular calf. The word goes back to Old English when it meant “young of a cow,” but now its use has extended to many large mammals. Though not as common, baby reindeer are also known as fawns. The name comes from the Latin “fetus,” meaning “offspring,” which, after some centuries and several languages, became the noun for young deer. In the Sami language, reindeer are called “vársle-jávrri,” which means “the one who lives in the forest.” In some regions of Russia, reindeer calves are called “sibirik” or “durak,” meaning “foolish” or “stupid.” Ultimately, the name given to a reindeer calf depends on where it is raised and the culture of the people caring for it. No matter what they call them, these little creatures will bring joy to anyone who sees them.
Baby Reindeer: 5 Facts
Here are five amazing facts you may not know about these adorable creatures:
1. Baby Reindeer Are Born With Antlers
Though reindeer are not born with large antlers, they develop them quickly, growing almost one inch per day. However, they only have the complete set of hardened adult antlers once they reach their first winter. That happens because antler growth occurs in fits and starts to replace dead bone tissue. To adapt to this constant change, calves have a unique skull extension that gives them room to grow. By their first winter, the skull will have reached full size, and only then the antlers harden.
2. Baby Reindeer Have Thick Layers of Fat
Like other mammals, reindeer are covered with fur for warmth and protection from the elements. However, reindeer calves also have thick layers of fat for insulation, and this blubber keeps them warm when they sleep out in the cold. In addition, their hooves are covered with tough skin and fur to protect them from rocks and other hazards.
3. Baby Reindeer Have an Enormous Appetite
Another curiosity about reindeer calves is their enormous appetite. When they are born, they weigh only 13 to 18 pounds, and their only food source is their mother’s milk. To satisfy their enormous demand for energy, they suckle from their mother’s nipples eight to 12 times a day. That means that the mother reindeer must produce up to 25 pounds of milk per day to meet the demands of her young. Once they begin to wean and explore their environment, reindeer calves start eating grass, lichen, and other soft plants.
4. Baby Reindeer Start Walking Within Two Hours of Birth
Reindeer calves are ready to run from the moment they are born. They need that capability to keep up with their mothers, who can run up to 30 miles daily. Surprisingly, they start walking just two hours after birth, a feat that would challenge all humans. Moreover, the calves start walking long distances within a few weeks. Reindeer are thus an extreme example of what nature can create, and their adaptations are mesmerizing.
5. Baby Reindeer Grow Fast
Reindeer only need four years to reach adulthood thanks to their diet, which is rich in fat and lots of energy. In addition, the harsh cold climate forces them to adapt quickly to survive. For example, their large paws act as snowshoes, distributing their weight across the surface and preventing them from sinking in the snow. These adaptations allow reindeer to forage for food even in the harshest winters. While many animals hibernate during these months, reindeer have learned to stay active and keep themselves warm by rubbing against each other or rolling in the snow. This ability to thrive in unfavorable weather conditions has helped reindeer become one of the world’s most abundant large mammals.
Up Next:
Where Do Reindeer Live?How Fast Are Reindeer? Are They Faster Than a Horse?What Do Reindeer Eat? 7 Important Foods for Their Diet
