Reindeer, or caribou in North America, are among the most famous migratory animals, traveling thousands of miles each year across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Reindeer migrations are driven by the need to access food and suitable breeding grounds. In the spring, as the Arctic snows melt, reindeer begin moving northward to calving grounds where they give birth in relative safety, away from predators and human disturbances.

During the summer months, reindeer graze on rich vegetation in the tundra, building up reserves of fat that sustain them through the winter. As temperatures drop in late autumn, they head south to avoid the harsh Arctic winter, finding shelter in forested areas where snow cover is less dense. These forests offer a more manageable food supply, including lichen, which reindeer rely on when other food sources become scarce.

The migration of reindeer is a sight to behold, with herds numbering in the thousands moving together in a synchronized flow. This vast movement supports the Arctic ecosystem, as reindeer help aerate the soil, spread plant seeds, and provide a vital food source for predators.

Climate change, however, poses significant challenges. Warmer temperatures can lead to freezing rain, forming an ice crust over food sources and preventing reindeer from grazing. Conservationists are working to protect migratory paths and support indigenous communities that rely on reindeer for cultural and economic needs.