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Foxfeather248 — If I was a reindeer...

Published: 2009-02-11 14:40:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 4953; Favourites: 216; Downloads: 81
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Description I am not a reindeer, but if I was, this is what I would look like.

I had a dream about a black reindeer last night, so I made a quick watercolor sketch of one. I am part Saami and reindeer will always hold a very special place in my heart. When I move further into the country and have land I plan to start up a small herd.

Did you know reindeers are arguably one of the oldest domesticated creatures? There is (limited) evidence that the earliest domestication of reindeer happened around 45,000 years ago with hunters capturing and keeping wild deer to help them hunt. Some people would argue the record should go to dogs, which have some records around 30,000 years old but concrete around 15,000 in China.

They are the domestic version of the north american caribou (the same species, technically) - and are smaller and different a different color (caribous being darker brown/black overall). Though classified as domestic there are wild herds of reindeer and also still living, nomadic cultures that live with and through the herds.

Also, did you know they are actually rather tiny? Females can be as small as 130 lbs, males 200 lbs. They can get larger, in the 300-600lb range (female/male) but compare that to the largest dog breeds!

Thus ends your daily interesting-animal-facts session. Sorry, I just love these guys and wanted to share!
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Comments: 24

GogglePeasant [2021-12-09 00:28:43 +0000 UTC]

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CReature22 [2017-10-29 04:35:26 +0000 UTC]

I love him 😍

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Ravenroseserpent [2014-10-01 08:02:43 +0000 UTC]

just a beautiful dream and a beautiful black Reindeer. I love all kinds of Deer I want see Reindeer

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Mitchel-Jacobsen [2011-10-31 16:18:37 +0000 UTC]

Reindeer love!
I love the facts too. I always wanted to visit Lapland and see these things...

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yammyqueen [2011-10-27 20:13:21 +0000 UTC]

I love reindeer I would love one (well three) for my own - they are such adorable creatures X3
I envy your Saami ancestory!

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yammyqueen [2011-10-27 20:11:14 +0000 UTC]

<3

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Canine-13 [2009-12-20 04:36:37 +0000 UTC]

That's a very beautiful reindeer. Love your style.

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Ritawolf [2009-11-28 05:52:56 +0000 UTC]

yes... reindeer are very majestic creatures. Quite interesting if you ask me. There movement and the way they carry their bodies... just something magical happens. I think that's why they were an instant mascot for Santa and his sleigh along with Christmas.
This is very nicely done, the colors are eye-popping and i think starting up your own herd is an interesting idea! I'd love to do something like that myself. . . Its just unlikely to happen...
Anyways this is very nice !

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DarkDelusion [2009-08-14 21:03:25 +0000 UTC]

Awww there aren't enough Reindeer pictures on DA

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FictitiousEyes [2009-02-18 01:21:51 +0000 UTC]

Oooh! Beautiful, and interesting tidbits of info.

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asimbonanga [2009-02-13 16:43:43 +0000 UTC]

Where I live there are no reindeer, but I'd love to travel north sometime to find them. It's good to see that you share a special connection with them.

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Nashoba-Hostina [2009-02-12 17:23:09 +0000 UTC]

Wow, that's lovely! (the atmospheric perspective on the far antler is fab XD) And wow, I knew reindeer weren't all that big, but I didn't realize that they were quite that small! Cool hon, thanks for the info!

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ringtailroxy [2009-02-12 04:45:10 +0000 UTC]

oh-my-dog...I love Caribou, Elk, & especially Moose! I simply am enamored by your art & am saving to buy a unique Foxloft item!

(by the way, I am a vet tech whom enjoys exotic pets... I haven't had fennecs, but I have rehabbed raccoons & have had 3 domestic skunks!)

ringtailroxy

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Foxfeather248 In reply to ringtailroxy [2009-02-12 14:53:25 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for your kind words!
That is wonderful about the wildlife rehab, and I have heard that skunks can make wonderful pets. I've known a few people that had them that absolutely loved them but haven't had a lot of experience with them myself.

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Masasasaki [2009-02-12 02:29:49 +0000 UTC]

This is awesome!!

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Silver-Sundog [2009-02-11 20:54:52 +0000 UTC]

Ahh, I would love to see reindeer. I love their big soft blunt noses. x3

This is great.

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dentalfloos [2009-02-11 18:07:21 +0000 UTC]

I've had shifts into caribou actually, one of my favorite animals to do so with. They're also one of my favorite animals period.

Someday I want to see one up close and personal.

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Foxfeather248 In reply to dentalfloos [2009-02-11 18:19:48 +0000 UTC]

Really neat! There are a surprising number of reindeer farms across the country, you might want to see if there is one in your state (there are even some in Texas, of all places for an arctic animal!). A lot of them allow visitors or would at least be able to tell you when/if their animals will be on show somewhere closer to you.

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dentalfloos In reply to Foxfeather248 [2009-02-12 23:20:21 +0000 UTC]

Maybe Wisconsin...they got wolves up there, why not caribou? XD

Had no clue they had reindeer farms (and I was surprised at the Texas one too O.o) across the States. Thought the only domesticated ones were far north in Canada/Alaska and Scandinavia.

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StormyZoonoc [2009-02-11 17:00:49 +0000 UTC]

This is gorgeous. I've had so many recurring dreams lately of otters, they've been reflected in my recent art too. It's kind of like your dream situation.

That's really amazing that you're part Saami! My grandfather on my dad's side is too.

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spiritedfox [2009-02-11 14:58:23 +0000 UTC]

So beautiful! Reminds me of the of the deers around my house I see every morning, even though they're not reindeers but still, same point, right?

You drew this so wonderfully and captured its beauty like a professional. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to know if you are indeed a professional! =]

Keep up the wonderful work! ^^

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C-C-Corone [2009-02-11 14:52:08 +0000 UTC]

Your part saami? That's kinda cool ^^
I may be that too, but I'm not sure, and then it's not very much, but since I'm Swedish, and having Finnish relatives, it wouldn't surprise me ^^

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umbbe [2009-02-11 14:48:32 +0000 UTC]

I love reindeer too, they are so calm. :3 Too bad that I live too south to routinely see reindeer around here. :<

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umbbe In reply to umbbe [2009-02-11 14:48:53 +0000 UTC]

Oh... And I forgot to love your picture.
*loves*

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