Awesome Arctic Animals

Answer: Caribou
 
  NEXT -->
 

   <--BACK

    
    INDEX    


Tuktu means caribou in Inuktitut.

Caribou migrate in gigantic herds across the Arctic tundra in search of vegetarian fare, impersonating trees. With their massive antlers and their herding habit, it seems they try to make up for the Arctic's lack of forest. In the winter, they kick and nuzzle away the snow, often on hilltops where the wind has blown the land nearly bare, looking for lichens and other plants.

Like many other grazers, they are prized for their meat. In times past, the Inuit followed the herds so they would be ensured of steady food. Now, the Inuit live in permanent settlements, but they still like to fill the freezer with one of their favorite traditional dishes.

Photo Credit: © Alaska Fish and Wildlife Service. Used with permission from teelfamily.com.  All rights reserved.
© 2007 OneWorld Classrooms. All rights reserved.