Big PREY - Caribou

Caribou, also called reindeer, are found in northern regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland.

As summer approaches, caribou herds head north in one of the world's great large-animal migrations. They may travel more than 600 miles (965 kilometers) along well trod annual routes. At the end of their journey, they spend the summer feeding on the abundant grasses and plants of the tundra. In these rich grounds, an adult caribou can eat 12 pounds (5 kilograms) of food each day.

During migration, herds of cows (female caribou) leave several weeks before the males, who follow with yearling calves from the previous birthing season.

Caribou have large hooves that are useful tools for life in the harsh northlands. They are big enough to support the animal's bulk on snow and to paddle it efficiently through the water. The hoof's underside is hollowed out like a scoop and used for digging through the snow in search of food. Its sharp edges give the animal good purchase on rocks or ice.

Caribou are the only deer in which male and females both have antlers—though only some females have them. Cows have one calf each year, which can stand after only a few minutes and move on with its mother by the next day.

When the first snows fall each year, the caribou turn south and complete a migration that sees them travel as many as 1,600 miles (2,574 kilometers) each year. They spend the winter in more sheltered climes and survive by feeding on lichens.

Caribou are traditionally vital to indigenous northern people throughout much of their range.

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Bulls: 350-700 lbs
Cows: 180-260 lbs

01: 350 lb (buck) / 180 lb (doe)
02: 365 lb  / 184 lb
03: 380 lb / 188 lb
04: 400 lb / 190 lb
05: 415 lb / 194 lb
06: 430 lb / 198 lb
07: 445 lb / 200 lb
08: 460 lb / 204 lb
09: 480 lb / 208 lb
10: 500 lb / 210 lb
11: 515 lb / 215 lb
12: 530 lb / 220 lb
13: 545 lb / 225 lb
14: 560 lb / 230 lb
15: 585 lb / 235 lb
16: 600 lb / 240 lb
17: 625 lb / 245 lb
18: 650 lb / 250 lb
19: 675 lb / 255 lb
20: 700 lb (buck) / 260 lb (doe)

Originally from STP Strong