Heim_Morgan_Reindalen-3288
Pygmy reindeer graze in fresh, early snowfall in Reindalen. Climate change has led to warmer temperatures in the valley and a vegetation boom that has generally been good for the reindeer. However, it is a bit like living in the eye of a storm, and researchers are already seeing signs that things are shifting. Early snowstorms like this are concerning, as they can be followed by warm temperatures that then yo-yo back to freezing. If this happens in the fall, it can trap food supplies beneath layers of ice at one of the most critical times for reindeer to pack on final pounds leading into winter. During winter reindeer rely mostly on fat stores to maintain health and support incubating fawns.