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 In winter, reindeer gather in the forest surrounding our cabin. These free grazing animals come close to our home, digging with their hooves in the snow for lichen and moss while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. They often hang out just outside the kennel area - keeping our dogs entertained all day.  The reindeer and the caribou of North America are the same species, Rangifer tarandus. They sometimes look quite different but in fact there is more variation in appearance among different types of caribou than there is between certain types of reindeer and caribou. The tundra reindeer of northern Lapland are much like the Porcupine Caribou Herd of the northern Yukon and northeastern Alaska while the forest reindeer of Lapland are comparable to the more numerous and larger sized woodland caribou, which inhabit the boreal forests of North America.  The ability of the reindeer and caribou to use lichens as a primary winter food distinguishes them from all other large mammals and has enabled them to survive on harsh northern rangeland. Caribou use their excellent sense of smell to locate lichens under the snow, and they dig the lichens out with their hooves.  Unlike most Malamutes, Lily can be trusted off leash in the forest even when there are reindeer around. Lily is spayed and will be ten years old this summer. These factors, together with her personality and lots of obedience training, make it possible for us to let Lily go as she pleases on our property, despite having a herd of reindeer very close to our house. We would not try this with any other dog.  Lily is a very special girl. Return | |