Reindeer – what applies?

Guest of the Reindeer

Nature is not boundless; we find ourselves on grazing land for many animals and at the workplace of reindeer herding Sámi people. Arvidsjaur municipality is located in the forest Sámi area with Sámi villages that run their operations and reindeer that graze and dwell in the area.

Reindeer herding is intimately connected with the Sámi culture and has traditions that go far back in time. Over thousands of years, it has evolved from hunting wild reindeer to today’s reindeer husbandry. Even today, nature governs the rhythm of the reindeer industry since the reindeer graze naturally year-round. Free-range grazing is a prerequisite for an ecologically sustainable reindeer industry with long-term healthy animals. The person/reindeer herder must take into account the reindeer and nature, not the other way around. The reindeer herder’s task is to be the reindeer’s protector and create good conditions to make a living from their industry.

The reindeer industry is sensitive to disturbances from both other land users and predators. In spring, in May, when the does are calving, it is especially important for the reindeer to remain undisturbed. Also, during other periods of the year, such as during migrations, reindeer are particularly sensitive to disturbances. They are shy animals that are easily frightened. In a narrow passage, such as across a road, disturbances can cause an entire herd to scatter, leading to extra work for the herders.

Reindeer Etiquette

If you have a dog when you’re out walking in nature — keep it leashed!
If a dog is found while chasing or harassing reindeer in an area where reindeer husbandry is allowed, the dog, if it allows to be captured, may be killed by the person who owns or cares for the reindeer
​Never walk directly towards grazing reindeer — go around them or sit down and watch from a distance.
If you can see a reindeer in the eyes, you are too close!
If you happen to end up in the middle of a reindeer drive — stay where you are.
If you encounter reindeer on the road while driving, pass slowly or stop until the reindeer have moved. Reindeer can easily be scared and turn in the opposite direction — so don’t think you can quickly pass a reindeer on the road that seems to stand still or is going in the opposite direction at that moment.
You can be fined if you:
intentionally or negligently scare or otherwise disturb reindeer inhabiting an area where reindeer herding is allowed.
intentionally, negligently, or unauthorizedly drive reindeer away from an area where reindeer husbandry is allowed or prevent reindeer from grazing in such an area.