Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Is a Girl!

by Jenn Smith December 09, 2019

CAUTION: We're about to blow your mind.

Environment Canada reported in 2011 that there were approximately 34,000 boreal woodland caribou in 51 ranges remaining in Canada. While this may be true today; only eight have been chosen to help guide Santa's sleigh on Christmas Day - and they are all girl reindeer. Yes, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

You see, while we are brought up to believe that Rudolph and the other reindeer are boys, it simply cannot be the case with science on our side.

"In most deer species, only the male grows antlers, but that's not true for most reindeer. Although the females in certain populations do not have antlers, many do. That's because males lose their antlers in winter or spring, but females shed theirs in the summer. However, male reindeer shed their antlers at the end of mating season in early December, and carry as low as 5 percent body fat; leading the way for lady reindeer to direct the sleigh for Santa." (Deerbusters.com)

These ladies use reflective retinas to enhance nighttime vision, helping to drive Santa to the houses of good girls and boys to spread Christmas cheer.