Reindeer, Beer: A Safe Holiday Treat Or Not?

It's not just humans that like to indulge in a drink—many animals do too. From monkeys stealing cocktails from tourists to drunken bees, it's clear that some animals have a complicated relationship with alcohol. But can reindeer drink beer? Well, it turns out that reindeer in eastern Europe have been known to seek out and even fight over the highly toxic and hallucinogenic Amanita muscaria mushroom. While the mushrooms are considered poisonous to humans, causing dizziness, Siberian natives would get high by feeding the fungi to reindeer and then drinking the animal's urine.

Reindeer and magic mushrooms

The story of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer may have its roots in the consumption of hallucinogenic "magic" mushrooms by Siberian shamans and tribespeople. Reindeer, which are common in Siberia, eat these mushrooms, known as Amanita muscaria or fly agaric, without suffering any harmful effects. This is because they can filter out the mushroom's venom, which is toxic to humans.

Siberian tribespeople and shamans are known to have ingested these mushrooms, which induce hallucinations and feelings of joy and euphoria, as well as making physical efforts easier. The shamans, dressed in red and white to honour the mushrooms, would distribute the mushrooms as gifts to the community during the winter solstice ceremony, entering through the roof of teepeelike homes as the doors would be blocked by snow. It is theorised that the image of Santa Claus and his reindeer flying through the sky may have originated from hallucinations caused by these mushrooms, as well as the idea that Santa enters houses through the chimney.

The red and white colouring of the mushrooms may also explain the traditional colours of the presents placed under the Christmas tree, as well as the red nose of Rudolph, who leads the other reindeer. However, not all scientists agree with this theory, and some historians are unaware of a connection between Santa and magic mushrooms.

How much beer can reindeer drink without getting drunk?

It is unclear how much beer reindeer can drink without getting drunk, but it is worth noting that reindeer have been known to deliberately seek out and even fight over the hallucinogenic and highly toxic Amanita muscaria mushroom. Consuming these mushrooms can cause dizziness in humans, so Siberian natives would get high by feeding the fungi to the reindeer and then drinking the animal's urine.

While reindeer drinking beer may be a fun idea, it is important to remember that alcohol can be dangerous for animals. In general, animals that consume alcohol can experience similar unsettling and dangerous effects as humans, such as stumbling and disorientation. Additionally, some animals are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than others. For example, a black bear was found passed out on a lawn after consuming several cans of beer, and a moose was discovered stuck in a tree after eating fermented apples.

On the other hand, some animals have a higher tolerance for alcohol. For instance, the pen-tailed tree shrew of Malaysia consumes fermented palm nectar with an alcohol content similar to beer for about two hours every night without showing any signs of intoxication. Similarly, bats in Central and South America regularly consume fermented fruits with up to 4.5% ethanol but are rarely affected by the alcohol. They can still fly and use their echolocation skills to navigate while intoxicated.

In terms of how much beer reindeer can specifically consume without getting drunk, there is no definitive answer. However, it is important to note that alcohol can have dangerous effects on animals, and it is not recommended to give them beer or any other form of alcohol.

Are there any other animals that can drink alcohol without getting drunk?

While reindeer may not drink beer, there are several other animals that can consume alcohol without getting drunk.

The pen-tailed tree shrew, native to Malaysia, is known for its remarkable alcohol tolerance. These small creatures spend about two hours each night drinking fermented palm nectar, which has an alcohol content similar to beer. Despite this, they show no signs of intoxication. According to a 2008 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the tree shrew has evolved to handle this high level of alcohol consumption.

Bats, particularly those found in Central and South America, are also known for their ability to handle alcohol. A 2009 study in Belize, published in PLOS One, found that these bats could successfully navigate through obstacle courses even with high blood alcohol content. Their high tolerance allows them to consume fruits that other animals cannot.

Vervet monkeys in the Caribbean have a long history with alcohol, dating back to the plantation era when they discovered fermented sugar cane. While most drink in moderation, a small percentage of the population are considered alcoholics, and some have been observed stealing cocktails from unsuspecting tourists.

Additionally, male butterflies have been known to drink beer to boost their spermatophores, nutrient-rich packages they offer to females as nuptial gifts. Entomologists often use beer or wine to bait insect traps, as these insects are attracted to the alcohol.

While these animals may not get drunk, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can still have negative effects on their health and behaviour.

What are the dangers of reindeer drinking beer?

Reindeer in eastern Europe have been known to seek out and even fight over the hallucinogenic and highly toxic Amanita muscaria mushroom. While the bright red mushrooms are considered poisonous and can cause dizziness in humans, Siberians would get high by feeding the fungi to reindeer and then drinking the animal's urine.

While it is unclear what effect beer would have on reindeer, we can look at how alcohol affects other animals to get an idea of the potential dangers.

Alcohol has been shown to have similar effects on animals as it does on humans. For example, a moose in Sweden became entangled in a tree after eating fermented apples, and a black bear in Washington state passed out on a lawn after raiding coolers of beer from nearby campers.

Some animals, such as the pen-tailed tree shrew, have a higher tolerance for alcohol due to their ability to metabolize it more efficiently. These shrews consume fermented palm nectar nightly, with an alcohol content similar to beer, and show no signs of intoxication.

Other animals, such as bees, can get drunk from fermented nectar and become dangerous flyers, causing accidents. Similarly, birds that consume fermented berries can become too intoxicated to fly, leading to fatal crashes with buildings.

Dogs are another example of animals that can have a serious reaction to alcoholic beverages. While some dogs may steal beers, alcohol can prove fatal to them.

In summary, while the effects of beer on reindeer are unknown, alcohol has been shown to have dangerous effects on a variety of animals, including impaired motor skills and coordination, disorientation, and even death. Therefore, it is essential to keep alcoholic beverages away from reindeer and all other animals to ensure their safety.

What are the benefits of reindeer drinking beer?

While there is no evidence that reindeer drinking beer is beneficial, there are some interesting findings about alcohol consumption in other animal species.

Some male butterflies drink beer to boost their spermatophores, or nutrient-rich packages, that they give to females as a nuptial gift. Similarly, some male fruit flies that don't mate turn to alcohol to boost their feelings of satisfaction.

The pen-tailed tree shrew, native to the Malaysian rainforest, has also been known to drink fermented palm nectar, which has an alcohol strength similar to beer. These shrews can metabolize alcohol much better than humans and don't show signs of intoxication, even after consuming large amounts. Scientists believe that alcohol consumption may offer some positive effects to these shrews, such as protection against cardiovascular risk and increased food intake due to increased appetite.

Bats in Central and South America have also been found to tolerate alcohol well. A 2009 study showed that these bats could fly and use their echolocation with unimpaired coordination, even with blood alcohol content that would exceed legal limits for humans.

However, it's important to note that alcohol consumption can have dangerous effects on other animal species. For example, bees can get drunk from fermented nectar and become dangerous flyers, often causing accidents.

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