* Sodium Deficiency: Caribou, like many other animals, need sodium in their diet. However, their primary food source, lichens, is very low in sodium.
* Salt Licks: To get their sodium fix, caribou often visit salt licks, which are natural or man-made areas where salt is concentrated.
* Importance of Sodium: Sodium is essential for various bodily functions in caribou, including:
* Fluid balance: Sodium helps regulate the amount of water in their bodies.
* Muscle function: Sodium is involved in nerve and muscle impulses.
* Digestion: Sodium plays a role in nutrient absorption.
So, the next time you see caribou, you might see them licking at salt licks, which is their way of getting the sodium they need to stay healthy!