Are Santa’s Reindeer Female? Yep! His Sleigh Runs on Girl Power

There is no denying that women, mothers, and grandmothers throughout history have been responsible for creating Christmas magic this time of year. Cooking the special meals, baking holiday treats, buying and wrapping gifts, the list goes on. I guess it only makes sense that this would reflect in the animal world as well. Even all the way up in the North Pole.

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Watching the 1964 classic claymation Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, one would think that Santa's sleigh is led around the globe by a team of male reindeer. However, science explains why this is a misconception. The ones responsible for good little boys and girls receiving presents on Christmas morning are actually female.

When Santa calls, "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!” It's hard to tell just by their names what sex the reindeer are, but let's consider some facts that will help decide once and for all.

Interesting Reindeer Facts

1. Reindeer spend almost half their lives in the snow, and their hooves have a special ability to tighten up that allows them to stand and keep their balance on just about any surface. This makes them the perfect animal to help Santa park his sleigh on rooftops and other precarious spots.

2. The strands of fur that make up their outer coat are hollow which allows for insulation in their preferred cold climate or while flying through the air. The bottom layer of fur is thick and fluffy. Because of this, throughout history, tribes in the Arctic parts of the world have hunted Reindeer for pelts and blankets to keep warm.

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3. When Reindeer graze in the wild, they like to look for mushrooms to snack on. Specifically, fungi that are now known as  Reindeer Lichen. I bet they look for it while they're waiting to prance onto the next town. Everyone loves a road trip snack!

4. Reindeer eyes change color in the wintertime to help them see better in the dark. They also notice objects far off in the distance that humans or other animals can't see. Once again making them the ideal guides for Santa's sleigh. I'm sure they save him from mid-air collisions with birds or planes!

5. Reindeer are also excellent swimmers! I wonder if they take advantage of this skill when they deliver to homes in the Bahamas. Nighttime dip in the pool anyone?

6. They are the only species of deer in which both male and female reindeer can grow antlers, however, there is one difference between the two when it comes to their grand headpieces. This is how we know Santa's reindeer are all ladies.

Yes, Santa's Reindeer are all Females

Reindeer Bulls (the name for the fellas) shed their antlers in the fall after mating season. They are used to impress and attract their mate and then once they succeed, they have no use for them. Female reindeer, on the other hand, keep their antlers over winter because they need extra protection from predators as they grow their young to give birth in the spring.

Ok, So What About Rudolph?

The jury is still out on how Rudolph fits into this reality as the magic of Christmas may play a role. What if Santa made it to where none of his reindeer lost their antlers in Winter? Some would say they'd make an exception since Rudolph was added to the team later. Others think that it makes sense for him to be a male because that would explain all of the "mean girls" picking on him in the song.

If you go strictly by science though, it means all of the reindeer are female. AND they are also all pregnant. I cannot even imagine! They may run over a curb or too, but I bet they are good with directions.

Sources: Farmer's Almanac and Nat Geo Kids