are caribou the same as reindeer

Yes, caribou and reindeer are actually the same species, although caribou are native to North America and reindeer are native to Europe and Asia. In North America, the term "reindeer" is sometimes used to refer to caribou that have been domesticated and used for pulling sleighs or herded for their meat, hide, and antlers. In the wild, caribou are known for their long migrations and large herds, while reindeer have been domesticated for centuries and used as pack animals or draft animals.