are reindeer and caribou the same animal

Yes, reindeer and caribou are the same animal. Reindeer is the common name for the species of deer with the scientific name Rangifer tarandus. They are sometimes referred to as caribou in North America. However, there are differences in how the terms are used in different regions. In North America, "reindeer" typically refers to domesticated reindeer, while "caribou" refers to wild populations. In Europe and Asia, both terms are used interchangeably to describe the same animal.