The term "caribou" derives from the Mi'kmaw word "qalipu" (pronounced /kah-li-bu/), literally meaning "the shoveller". source
The term "caribou" derives from the Mi'kmaw word "qalipu" (pronounced /kah-li-bu/), literally meaning "the shoveller".
Caribou have been referred to as reindeer or wild reindeer depending on context, specifically in Alaska source
Caribou have been referred to as reindeer or wild reindeer depending on context, specifically in Alaska
There are occurrences of the subspecies barren-ground caribou in western Greenland. source
There are occurrences of the subspecies barren-ground caribou in western Greenland.
The name caribou comes, through the French, from the Mi'kmaq xalibu or Qalipu meaning "the one who paws". source
The name caribou comes, through the French, from the Mi'kmaq xalibu or Qalipu meaning "the one who paws".
Marc Lescarbot used the term "caribou." Silas Tertius Rand translated the Mi'kmaq word Kaleboo as "caribou" in his Mi'kmaq-English. source
Marc Lescarbot used the term "caribou." Silas Tertius Rand translated the Mi'kmaq word Kaleboo as "caribou" in his Mi'kmaq-English.
"The rut, or mating period, for caribou usually occurs in late September and the first half of October. source
"The rut, or mating period, for caribou usually occurs in late September and the first half of October.
Caribou cows begin breeding as early as 16 months of age; most breed annually by the time they are 28 months old, source
Caribou cows begin breeding as early as 16 months of age; most breed annually by the time they are 28 months old,
The males caribou may theoretically breed at 18 to 20 months of age, but most probably have no opportunity before their third or fourth year. source
The males caribou may theoretically breed at 18 to 20 months of age, but most probably have no opportunity before their third or fourth year.
During the rut, males caribou engage in frequent and furious sparring battles with their antlers. source
During the rut, males caribou engage in frequent and furious sparring battles with their antlers.
Average caribou lifespan in the wild:15 years. source
Average caribou lifespan in the wild:15 years.
Size caribou :4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) at the shoulder. source
Size caribou :4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) at the shoulder.
Weight caribou :240 to 700 lbs (109 to 318 kg) source
Weight caribou :240 to 700 lbs (109 to 318 kg)
Caribou have large hooves that are useful tools for life in the harsh northlands. source
Caribou have large hooves that are useful tools for life in the harsh northlands.
Mountain caribou eat lichen from trees, source
Mountain caribou eat lichen from trees,
Caribou have developed adaptions for optimal metabolic efficiency during warm months as well as for during cold months. source
Caribou have developed adaptions for optimal metabolic efficiency during warm months as well as for during cold months.
