Reindeer and caribou have unique hairs which trap air providing them with excellent insulation. These hairs also help keep them buoyant in the water. They are very strong swimmers and can move across wide rushing rivers and even the frozen ice of the Arctic Ocean. The feet of these animals are broad and flat with deeply cleft hooves. Their foot structure allows them to navigate the winter snows and the summertime spongy arctic tundra.
Tendons snap across a bone in the foot, producing a clicking sound as the animals walk.
Reindeer are vegetarians, feeding on grasses, mosses, leaves, and lichens. Female caribou eat 9 to 18 pounds of various lichens a day. In winter, the foraging animals dig deep holes in the snow in search of the precious food and will even defend their find. One of the so-called reindeer lichens, called cauliflower heads, is dyed and sold as trees for architect's models. Our reindeer especially love dandelions, fireweed and pieces of apple.