As the holidays approach, many people are curious about reindeer. Have you ever wondered how fast they can run? Well, they might not be able to pull a sled around the world overnight, but they’re still pretty fast. Here are some fun facts about reindeer speed so you can wow your co-workers at your annual holiday party!
How fast are reindeer?
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These deer can run at almost 50 miles per hour, but most recorded speeds are between 25 and 35 miles per hour, which is still impressive. They are much faster than many other animals of their size, which is very helpful in evading predators.
However, they cannot maintain their top speed for long periods of time. After less than a minute of sprinting, they inevitably slow down, but even then they can temporarily maintain a gallop of around 20 miles per hour. The sled, pulled by three to six reindeer, will move at about 40 miles per hour, but it will take some time for the animals to reach full speed.
While unable to run at full speed for long periods of time, they can maintain a steady pace of around 10 miles per hour over extremely long distances. In fact, they are used to traveling long distances in search of food. The caribou, or caribou, migrates annually, and it even holds the record for the longest migration of a land animal. Some herds travel over 3,000 miles each spring!
They may look short-legged, but they can jump high and easily clear obstacles up to 7 feet high during long runs. During migration, they can also swim and even cross lakes and rivers. Their swimming speed is between four and six miles per hour.
Reindeer vs. Horse: Which Is Faster?
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In terms of average speed, horses are definitely faster than reindeer, as they can reach more than 55 miles per hour at full gallop. Quarter horses bred specifically for short distances can run even faster. However, if we compare their speed on irregular terrain or snow-covered ground, reindeer have a huge advantage. Their flexible hooves are better suited to mud and snow, whereas horse hooves only work well on firm ground.
In conclusion, racehorses are much faster than wild reindeer. But that’s only true if they’re competing on regular, flat ground. Additionally, reindeer have greater stamina and can travel greater distances, especially on uneven ground.
Can you ride a reindeer?
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Humans can ride these animals, but they are smaller than horses and cannot carry as much weight. For this reason, it is very rare for an adult to ride a reindeer, even in places like Norway, Mongolia, and northern Russia where domesticated species are present.
They are mostly load-bearing animals, usually tethered to a sled. The indigenous peoples of the Arctic even hold a very popular annual reindeer sleigh race. Every year, more than 70 different teams from the Yamal tundra compete in a series of competitions in Salekhard, the only city within the Arctic Circle.
Next:
- 12 Incredible Reindeer Facts About Christmas
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- What do reindeer eat? 7 Important Dietary Foods
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
