The caribou is well adapted to its environment. It has a short, stocky body and a long dense winter coat which provides effective insulation, even during periods of low temperature and high wind. The muzzle and tail are short and well haired. Large, concave hooves splay widely to support the animal in snow or muskeg, and function as efficient scoops when the caribou paws through snow to uncover lichens and other food plants. The sharp edges give firm footing on ice or smooth rock.
Caribou are excellent swimmers and their hooves function well as paddles.
In summer, the hooves are worn away by travel over hard ground and rocks. Adult bulls generally shed their antlers in November or December, after they have mated. Cows and young animals carry their antlers much longer, often through the winter. The growing antlers have a fuzzy covering, called velvet, which contains blood vessels carrying nutrients for growth. The ability of caribou to use lichens as a primary food distinguishes them from all other large mammals and has enabled them to survive on harsh northern rangeland.