How do reindeer and caribou find food beneath snow?

To survive the harsh winter conditions of the tundra, reindeer and caribou—which are the same animal—rely on high-carbohydrate lichens known as reindeer moss for sustenance.12

Because this food source is often buried beneath snow, these animals use their hooves to dig craters in the snowpack to reach the lichens underneath. This feeding strategy is supported by specific physical adaptations:12

• Hoof Structure: Reindeer possess deeply cloven hooves that allow their feet to spread, providing stability on soft ground or snow.1
• Antler Use: During the winter, female reindeer retain their antlers, which they use to defend these feeding craters from other members of the herd, including males that have already shed their antlers.1

By utilizing these craters, reindeer and caribou are able to access essential nutrients even when the landscape is covered by winter snow.12