Man Castrates Reindeer With His Teeth | National Geographic

Watch a Sami reindeer herder in Norway demonstrate a technique that seems as strange as it is ancient: biting a male reindeer to castrate it. ​The practice helps herd and tundra alike. It’s believed that biting, unlike modern methods, allows the reindeer to keep producing testosterone. When mating season comes, the male forgoes battles for territory and courtship, and devotes his energy instead to breaking through the ice to the vegetation trapped beneath, which the herd eats. And the tundra, which depends on reindeer’s grazing to remain diverse and healthy, thrives. ➡ Subscribe: About National Geographic: National Geographic is the world’s premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what’s possible. Get More National Geographic: Official Site: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Watch EARTH A New Wild, airing Wednesdays in February on PBS in the U.S. and internationally in February on Nat Geo Wild: Man Castrates Reindeer With His Teeth | National Geographic National Geographic