A caribou is a large deer that lives in the cold northern regions of North America, especially across Canada and Alaska. These impressive animals are built for arctic survival, with thick fur coats that keep them warm in temperatures that would freeze most creatures. Their wide, spreading hooves work like natural snowshoes, keeping them from sinking into deep snow and helping them dig through it to find food.

Caribou are famous for their spectacular migrations. Twice each year, massive herds containing thousands of animals travel hundreds of miles between their winter and summer feeding grounds. Scientists consider these migrations among the longest of any land mammal on Earth. During these journeys, you might see an endless stream of caribou flowing across the tundra like a living river.

Both male and female caribou grow antlers, which makes them unique among deer. Bulls (males) grow especially large, impressive antlers that can span five feet.

Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have depended on caribou for thousands of years, using them for food, clothing, and tools.

You might know caribou by another name: in Europe and Asia, the same species is called reindeer.