Finnish reindeer given glow-in-the-dark antlers

Reindeer in Finland are sporting glowing fur and antlers as part of an inventive scheme to prevent traffic accidents.

Herders in Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, have sprayed 20 reindeer with a reflective liquid that makes them more visible to motorists.

Two kinds of glow-in-the-dark spray are being tested: a permanent spray for the reindeers' antlers, and a spray that washes away for their fur.

"We are hoping that the spray is so useful that we can use it in the entire region and on all reindeer, from young to old," said Anne Ollila, head of Finland's Reindeer Herders' Association

The spray will be applied to more reindeer next winter if it proves to be effective.

Ollila said traffic accidents injure or kill up to 5000 reindeer every year.

Most accidents occur in November and December, when parts of Finland are plunged into round-the-clock winter darkness and roads become icy.

Source: YLE, Guardian