Beyond Rudolph, Things You Might Not Know About Reindeer

By Ruth Forsgren, BCR Naturalist

If we believe the pictures, then Santa’s team members are probably female.  Both male and female reindeer have antlers but males shed theirs at the end of the mating season in November while females retain theirs until late winter or early spring. This means that the reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh are most likely females.

Reindeer and caribou are genetically the same animal. Caribou usually refers to the animals found in northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.  Reindeer is used for the smaller animals found in Asia and Europe and are more likely to be domesticated.  (For purposes of this article reindeer will be used to refer to either)

Reindeer are the only large animal able to metabolize lichen, their primary food source in the winter. During the warmer months, they feast on grasses, mushrooms, and other tundra plants.

The usually single calf is born in May or June. These babies are ready to run within about 90 minutes of birth. They must be ready to migrate with the herd for safety. Calves generally stay with mom until fall. 

Photo by Tanya Dewey

Not all reindeer migrate.but some  North American reindeer are known to travel 3000 miles. This is one of the longest migrations made by a land animal. Some of these animals might join a super-herd, which can number from 50,000 to 500,000 individuals.

Their feet are specially designed for life on the tundra.  Besides having hooves covered with hair, reindeer have 4 “toes” that spread wide to act like snowshoes. In the summer the footpad swells and becomes spongy;  giving the animals traction on the soggy ground, during the winter this pad shrinks back exposing the sharp edges of the hooves which help cut into the icy terrain.

Reindeer click, literally. Some sub-species of reindeer have tendons that click as they slide over bones in the feet. This noise possibly helps the animals stay together during a blinding blizzard. 

Top Five Wintry Activities at Beaver Creek

Winter weather is upon us! As you watch the snowflakes pile up outside your window, you may be tempted to burrow under a blanket and hibernate until spring. But even in winter, there are so many great possibilities to explore and learn more about the outdoors. Plus, you don't really want to miss snow's magical beauty!

Keep yourself from going stir-crazy this winter with these Top Five Wintry Activities at Beaver Creek!

1. Hit the Trails by Candlelight. Our popular candlelight snowshoe hikes are scheduled for January 5th and February 2nd. Each night has an early and a late shift. Reserve snowshoes in advance or bring your own. After hitting the trails, enjoy a warm fire and hot chocolate. The short course is perfect for all ages. Register on our website.

2. Get Frosty! The Frosty Frolic is back for a second year! Come out on January 20th for a full day of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, crafts and projects for all ages, dogsledding, food truck, warm fires, hot cocoa and snacks, and much more!

3. Learn about Trees and Animals in Winter. Come to our Tree and Shrub ID in Winter program on Saturday, February 3rd (adult learners) or our Winter Tracking for Kids program on Saturday, February 17th.

4. Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski. Did you know we rent snowshoes and cross-country skis for only $3 per pair? Call our office to make sure our trails are ready at 715-877-2212. Equipment can be rented from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Haycreek Winter Scene by Dave Schmitt

5. Support Your Resolutions. Whether your New Year's resolutions involve being more active, getting healthy, taking more time for your self, or giving back-- Beaver Creek Reserve can help you meet them all! It starts with an affordable membership. Learn more here.

We can't wait to explore the winter wonderland with you!

    

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things: Christmas Gifts for the Nature Lover

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is fast approaching. While Christmas is a festive time filled with magic and good cheer, it can also be a bit hectic. Before you get too stressed about your holiday lists, Beaver Creek Reserve wanted to share with you some of our favorite things to give as gifts. If you have any nature lovers on your list, you definitely want to check out what we have to offer.

Sign them up for a snowshoe-making class. On January 6^th and 7^th, Beaver Creek is offering an opportunity to make beautiful, heirloom snowshoes! Sign up yourself and a friend, and spend the day making something you’ll use for years to come! Register here before December 15th to secure a spot. 

Adopt-a-Bird. This year, Beaver Creek Reserve has revamped our adopt-a-bird program, and we’re excited to share it with you! For years, Beaver Creek has been banding birds to continue learning about and protecting our feathered friends. By adopting a banded bird in someone’s name, you will support our environmental conservation and education efforts. Choose from 10 different varieties that we band at Beaver Creek. Email us for more information. 

Give the gift of nature. If you love your time spent wandering the trails or exploring the Discovery Room at Beaver Creek, consider buying a membership for someone you love. Without a doubt, a membership at Beaver Creek is a gift that keeps on giving.

Buy Beaver Creek apparel. We just got in a whole new line of clothing in the Nature Store, and it’s just waiting to be worn! We have new flannel shirts, denim shirts, sweatshirts and more.  Stay warm and stylish sporting Beaver Creek Reserve logo!




Stem Gifts for Boys and Girls STEM isn't just the latest craze, it is an important way to combine learning and play.  Beaver Creek Reserve has some great toys, and kits for a variety of ages. These would make great boredom busters for over the long holiday break! (Plus 50% of your purchase goes directly back to Beaver Creek Reserve!)

Check out our nature books. Here at Beaver Creek, we are always learning new things about the world around us. Our Nature Store stocks a wide variety of books that can help you engage with your surroundings. New discoveries are just a page away!

Gift our Beaver Creek Nature Calendar. Everyone needs a way to organize their life, and what better way to do it than in a gorgeous nature calendar? Featuring local photographers and the beauty of western Wisconsin, this calendar is a must-have for every home. Purchase one for only $10.00 at Beaver Creek Reserve or at Festival Foods (Mall Drive currently, Both NEW Festival Foods after 12/13), Sharp Photo and Portrait, Unity Bank in Fall Creek and Augusta and Pet Food Plus.

Happy Shopping!