The Barren Ground caribou lives in the northern forests
and migrates to the tundra. Peary's caribou live on the
islands in the far north.
FOOD
They eat grasses, mosses and small arctic plants
called lichen.
ADAPTATIONS
Caribou live in groups called herds.
The caribou migrate in search of food. In the winter they live in
forests on the edge of the Arctic. In spring thousands head for
the tundra where the babies ( calves) are born.
During the summer they eat as much as
possible to prepare for the winter. Then they can live off the
fat that is stored in their bodies.
Caribou are able to walk
in the deep snow because they have wide hooves with fur.
They are strong swimmers and can cross rivers and lakes while
moving from place to place. The hollow hairs of their coats act
like a life jacket and help to keep the animals afloat.
ENEMIES
Arctic wolves eat caribou. The young or sick
are the easiest to catch. If a caribou moves away from the herd
the wolf pack chases it and surrounds it.
A young calf must become strong so it can run and escape
enemies like wolves, bears, and foxes.
THE YOUNG
The calves are born covered with warm fur and with their eyes open.
They are able to walk and run soon after birth.
OTHER FACTS
Reindeer are close relatives of the caribou.
Caribou lose their antlers once a year. Then they grow new ones.
Both the females and males have antlers. The antlers are used
for fighting.
Woodland caribou live farther south.
CANADIAN ANIMALS
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