What is the Difference Between Caribou and Deer?

Caribou and deer are both members of the deer family, but they have some noticeable differences in their geographical distribution, diversity, and physical characteristics. Here are the main differences between caribou and deer:

1. Geographical Distribution: Caribou are geographically restricted to arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, while deer have a worldwide distribution, except in Australia and Antarctica.
2. Size: Deer include small to large-sized animals, while caribou are always medium to large. For example, male caribou can weigh up to 700 lbs.
3. Antlers: Females of many deer species do not have antlers, but most caribou subspecies have antlers in both males and females. Caribou have the largest antlers compared to body size among all the members of the deer family.
4. Domestication: Reindeer, which are the same species as caribou, have been domesticated in some parts of the world and are used for transportation, meat, milk, hides, and antlers. Caribou, on the other hand, have never been domesticated.

Note that reindeer and caribou are the same species, but reindeer are nearly all domesticated and live in Europe and Asia, whereas caribou are nearly all wild and live in North America.

Comparative Table: Caribou vs Deer

Here is a table comparing the differences between caribou and deer:

Caribou are a type of reindeer found in North America and are known for their large size and thick fur, which helps them survive in cold Arctic environments. They are wild animals and migratory by nature, traveling long distances in search of food. Deer, on the other hand, are smaller in size and can be found in various habitats worldwide. They have a more diverse diet and do not typically migrate like caribou. While male deer have antlers, female deer do not, which is different from caribou where both sexes have antlers.