Reindeer-herding children in Vuotso practice ancient art of ear marking during calving season

Reindeer-herding families are currently experiencing a very special time of the year, particularly for their children. It is the time to mark the calves, which were born in the spring. The marks are made by cutting a unique pattern into the calves’ ears, allowing the owner’s reindeer to be distinguished from others.

Siblings Ánna-Frida and Biret-Ingermaria Vars from Vuotso, have been diligently practicing the art of ear cutting on orange peels for years. This year they got their first opportunity to mark their own reindeer calves. Under their father’s guidance, they learned to hold the knife in one hand and the calf’s ear in the other.

“It was fun, but also challenging in the beginning. After marking one, you just want to mark more,” the siblings shared.

The reindeer run about the enclosure, and the children do their best to catch the calves. Once caught, a number is hung around the calf’s neck and it is released. When all calves are tagged, they start observing which calf follows which female reindeer to identify the calf’s mother.

The same ear mark as the mother is then cut into the calf’s ears. Every reindeer owner has their own unique ear mark, which is used to identify their reindeer.

Jukka Knuuti, chairman of the Reindeer Herders’ Association, assures that the procedure does not harm the reindeer. However, Sauli Laaksonen, an associate professor of cervid diseases, notes that the ear marking may cause some short-term pain.