We had been lying on a mountainside behind a small rock above Lake Storvatnet for quite some time, photographing a herd of reindeer from a distance. After watching the herd for a while, we suddenly heard the rapid galloping of several hooves through the deep snow behind us, coming from the shore of the lake. When we turned around, we could hardly believe our eyes, for two young reindeer were running up the slope straight toward us.
They had obviously ventured off on a little foray through the terrain, far from their herd, and were now returning to the group. They were clearly having fun chasing each other and galloping in wide, sweeping arcs through the firm snow. It seemed as though the two were putting on a little show for us on purpose before they turned and trotted back to their herd. The herd, in turn, stood at the top of the slope, watching the spectacle with alarm and interest. Once the animals were reunited, the entire herd set off and disappeared behind the hilltop. I immediately pulled out my camera and captured the special moment in two photos, while my partner recorded the crazy scene in a short video.
Startled by the noise made by the two rowdy youngsters—and thus noticing us as well—a few members of the reindeer herd stare intently at us.
A lonely reindeer walking on a frozen lake.
