caribou

caribou, name in North America for the genus (Rangifer) of deer from which the Old World reindeer was originally domesticated. Caribou are found in arctic and subarctic regions. They are the only deer in which both sexes have antlers. The broad hooves support the animal (males may weigh over 300 lb/130 kg) on boggy land or snow and have sharp edges that enable it to traverse rocky or frozen surfaces and to dig down to the grass and lichens on which it sometimes feeds. In North America there are several subspecies but two main types: the woodland caribou of the bogs and coniferous forests from Newfoundland to British Columbia, with palmate antlers up to 4 ft (120 cm) wide; and the barren-ground caribou of the tundra of Alaska, N Canada, and Greenland, which has many-branched, slender antlers and which may undertake mass migrations in search of food. Caribou are classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla, family Cervidae.

Any species of Arctic deer in the genus Rangifer (family Cervidae), especially Old World species, some of which are domesticated. New World species are usually called caribou. The reindeer herded by the Sami (Lapps) are used as draft and pack animals and as a source of meat and milk; their skins are used for tents, boots, and other clothing. In Siberia they are used as pack animals and as mounts.

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Caribou is a Census-designated place located in Plumas County, California, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 0. The closest communities are Belden to the southwest, Twain to the southeast, Canyondam to the north, and Greenville to the east.

Geography

Caribou is located at 40°4'48" North, 121°9'27" West (40.079929, -121.157397).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²), of which, 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are no people living in the town. According the US Census data, there are only two buildings in the community, both of them listed as "Vacant housing units" and "For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use".

Media

The primary local news source is the Feather River Bulletin, a newspaper published every Wednesday.

Politics

In the state legislature Caribou is located in the 1st Senate District, represented by Republican Dave Cox, and in the 3rd Assembly District, represented by Republican Rick Keene. Federally, Caribou is located in California's 4th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +11 and is represented by Republican John Doolittle.

References

External links

• US Census map
• History of California, Volume II