Two images of a reindeer with glowing antlers in the dark have recently been shared on social media, captivating millions of viewers.
The account @AMAZINGNATURE on X (formerly known as Twitter) has recently shared two striking images of a reindeer with brilliantly glowing antlers in the dark. The post quickly went viral, attracting millions of views and thousands of comments.
According to the @AMAZINGNATURE account, these images were taken in Finland, where car collisions with reindeer are a serious issue. A reflective paint solution has been applied to the antlers of these animals to make them more visible to drivers at night.
Images shared by the @AMAZINGNATURE account on X.
This creative approach was initiated by the Finnish Reindeer Herding Association in 2014 to address the alarming number of reindeer fatalities on the roads, which at that time was estimated to be around 4,000 per year.
The association stated: “The goal is to prevent traffic accidents. This spray was tested on fur, but it may be more effective on antlers since they can be seen from all sides.”
However, by 2016, the association reported that despite various efforts, including the use of reflective collars, these measures still did not significantly reduce reindeer casualties.
The association noted: “Drivers often mistake reindeer with reflective lights for people in the dark, thinking they won’t run into the road when they see the approaching headlights…”.
Additionally, the association revealed that a tracking app was implemented in 2016, allowing drivers to report sightings of reindeer. It also alerts people if they are approaching areas where animals have been spotted. Fortunately, this has helped alleviate the problem.
The story of the Finnish reindeer with glowing antlers exemplifies human creativity and effort in addressing real-world problems, contributing to raising awareness about the potential dangers in traffic for both humans and wildlife.