Watch the stunning migration of reindeer as they move as one body, swiftly and easily through the snow-covered fields and forests of Norway.
Reindeer or caribou migration is truly one of nature's most spectacular occurrences. Depending on the species and the part of the world they inhabit, the animals migrate in astounding numbers.
They seem to have an innate sense of where they're going, similar salmon returning to creeks to spawn.
Jan Helmer Olsen, a Norwegian photographer and filmmaker, shared this wonderful film on Facebook. I assume this migration took place in Norway, the home of the last remaining wild tundra reindeer in Europe.
There are around 35,000 wild tundra reindeer in Norway, with the largest herd containing around 10,000 animals.
Reindeer travel not only in very large numbers but they cover a lot of ground very quickly during their migration.
They can, in fact, run at a speed of around 35 mph, occasionally reaching 50 mph, and covering up to 34 miles a day. They move in vast herds of 20,000-500,000 animals (again, depending on species and geographical location). The cervids are also strong swimmers, able to swim at 4-6 mph, often crossing large bodies of water.
Helmer's use of drone footage in this film highlights the sense of movement of the animals. The large herd seems to travel with a single mind, covering the distance with determination and singularity of purpose.
Like what you see here? You can read more great articles by David Smith at his Facebook page, Stumpjack Outdoors.
NEXT: WATCH THIS MASSIVE HERD OF WILD HOGS TAKE OVER A WHOLE FOREST
https://rumble.com/embed/u7gve.v3tohd/
