Fun Facts About Reindeer
Caribou (also known as reindeer in some regions) are incredible animals, known for their long migrations and ability to survive in harsh Arctic environments. However, one interesting fact about caribou is that they cannot catch their newborn babies immediately after birth. Here’s an explanation of why this is the case:
1. Caribou Calves Are Born in a Vulnerable State
- Newborn Calves: When caribou calves are born, they are typically very small and fragile, but they are also precocial, meaning they are born with their eyes open and are able to stand and walk shortly after birth. This is a survival adaptation, as caribou live in areas with many predators, and being able to move quickly is essential for escaping danger.
- First Few Hours: After birth, caribou calves are not fully coordinated and may struggle to stand or keep up with the herd initially. The first few hours and days are critical for the calf, as it needs to bond with the mother and get the nutrition it needs from mother’s milk.
2. Protective Herd Behavior
- Mobility of the Herd: Caribou herds often move in large groups, which can make it difficult for newborn calves to keep up with the adults, especially right after birth. The herd is constantly on the move, particularly during migration, and calves are not able to match the adults’ pace until they are older and stronger.
- Predators: The mother caribou is protective, but predators such as wolves, bears, or even large birds of prey pose significant risks to young calves, so the adults have evolved to remain in motion, which helps keep predators at bay. However, this also means newborns sometimes struggle to stay with the herd or can get left behind, especially in the early stages.
3. The Mother’s Focus is on Survival, Not Catching the Calf
- Mother’s Role: Unlike some other mammals, caribou mothers do not typically “carry” their newborns physically. They give birth in remote areas and instinctively push the calf away to encourage it to stand and walk as soon as possible. This helps the calf develop its strength and mobility quickly.
- The Mother’s Instinct: The mother’s focus after birth is not to catch or carry her calf, but to ensure it is nourished and protected from predators. She will often stay close to the calf but will not “catch” it if it stumbles or struggles to keep up.
4. The Importance of Speed
- Herd Movement: Caribou are migratory animals and are known for their long-distance travels. The newborn calves must quickly adapt to this fast-paced lifestyle, as the herd often travels long distances in search of food and suitable environments.
- This migration provides the calves with the opportunity to become strong and develop the stamina needed to survive in the wild, but it also means that the calves are required to move and keep pace with the adults as soon as possible.
5. Calves Get Left Behind, But They Aren’t Abandoned
- Temporary Separation: Occasionally, a calf may become separated from its mother or lag behind the herd. However, this does not necessarily mean the mother abandons the calf. Caribou mothers are very protective, and in some cases, the mother will circle back to her calf to lead it back to the herd once the calf has rested and regained strength.
- Survival and Risk: The mother will often give birth in remote and safe locations, allowing the calf to rest and build strength, but the threat of predators means she may need to continue moving quickly, especially if danger is imminent. If the calf does become too weak to keep up, its chances of survival may decrease, and the herd may move on without it.
Conclusion
Caribou calves cannot immediately keep up with their mothers or the herd after birth, making it difficult for the mother to “catch” or carry them during their first moments of life.
The calves are designed to be able to stand and walk shortly after birth, but they rely on the protection of the herd and the mother’s guidance as they grow stronger and adapt to their challenging environment. The herd’s movement and the need to stay ahead of predators mean that while the mother is protective, she does not physically catch or carry her newborn calf.