Caribou Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum Common Name: Caribou Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Cervidae Genus: Rangifer Species: tarandus Museum Location: Rocky Cliff Diorama Description: The caribou has a body length ranging from 50-85 inches. Its fur ranges from grayish-white to brown and is rather shaggy. Females typically weigh between 150-350 lbs. Differing amongst subspecies is the weight of the male. This ranges from slightly larger than females up to 600 lbs. Both sexes have antlers. The antlers grow under a layer of fur called velvet. The hooves are broad and flat and being wide, help the animal swim and move through snow. Habitat and Range: Caribou can be found in much of Alaska and Canada including arctic islands, along the west coast of Greenland, Norway, Finland, east through northern areas of Europe, Asia and the Bering Sea. There are small U.S. populations in eastern Washington state, northern Idaho and northern Michigan. Diet: The typical diet includes lichens in winter. However, they also consume grasses, leaves, voles, lemmings, birds, and bird eggs. Behavior: Males usually split from the group and become solitary. Females remain in a herd with the young. Communication: Body language is important and the caribou makes a snorting sound. Groups of caribou can sound like groups of snorting pigs. Reproduction: The caribou become sexually mature at the age of 28 months. In the presence of adequate nutrition, females will give birth once a year. Gestation is typically 7 to 8 months long. Species Status: Domesticated animals are still very common in Scandinavia and some U.S. wild populations are considered endangered. Snowmobile disturbance and accidental shootings are a major cause of endangerment to U.S. populations. Interesting Facts: The caribou has front teeth on the lower jaw, although molars are found on both jaws. By Keerthi Prasad & MH