Observed on the shore of the Kronock reserve in Kamchatka was Olenich.

In an unexpected turn of events, a female wild northern reindeer was recently spotted at Olga Bay in Kronotsky Reserve. This sighting, shared by Lyana Varavskaya, a state inspector at FGBU "Kronotsky State Reserve", was described as rare and interesting.

During the winter months, these reindeer typically reside in the mountain tundra, feeding mainly on lichen that they dig up on open areas where snow is blown away by the wind. However, this female reindeer left the mountain tundra earlier than expected, making her way to the ocean.

Scientists believe that the reindeer came to the ocean to replenish its mineral reserves by consuming seaweed and seawater. This behaviour is not uncommon among reindeer and snow sheep, which inhabit coastal terraces. Both male and female northern reindeer have antlers, with males shedding them after the mating season in fall, while females retain them until spring. Females retain their antlers to defend feeding grounds and newborn calves on high-altitude pastures.

The Kronotsky Zapovednik is the only place on Kamchatka where a large herd of endangered wild northern reindeer has been preserved. The organisation that initiated a three-year conservation project to preserve these very rare animals is the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The project, within the "Natural Systems of Siberia, the Far East, and other regions of Russia" program, focuses primarily on combating poaching and protecting the territory.

Interestingly, while humans were enjoying a lunch of lentil soup with meatballs, the reindeer preferred a more exotic diet, choosing to lick salt, drink saltwater, and eat seaweed when mineral reserves were low.

The early descent of the female reindeer to the coast may be associated with a snowy winter and mild frosts. This behaviour is a testament to the adaptability of these resilient animals in their harsh Arctic environment. The three-year project to conserve Kamchatka's wild northern reindeer began in 2024, supported by the Far East and Siberia Ecological Systems Conservation Charity Fund.

The conservation of these animals is crucial for maintaining the balance of the Arctic ecosystem and preserving the rich biodiversity of the region. The sighting of the reindeer at Olga Bay serves as a reminder of the importance of these conservation efforts and the unique wildlife that calls Kamchatka home.