Reindeer at risk from new extreme snow sport

Wild reindeer may face a new threat from the extreme sport of snow-kiting, a study has found.

Scientists modelled reindeer's fright responses to both snow-kiting and skiing in an alpine area of south Norway.

They found that reindeer were more afraid of snow-kiters because of the airborne kite.

The study recommends that controls are put on the sport to prevent harm to wild reindeer.

Snow-kiting is a new sport, similar to kite-surfing, in which the rider wears skis and is pulled along by a kite.

It is thought to be one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in Norway.


Read on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19635308