Reindeers’ antlers sprayed with fluorescent dyes to prevent road deaths in Finland

RUDOLPH the reindeer is having a glittering antler makeover after previous protection measures were thwarted - sometimes by tourists.

It’s hoped this eye-catching measure will prevent road deaths. Picture: AP Photo / Finlan

RUDOLPH the reindeer is having a glittering antler makeover after previous protection measures were thwarted - sometimes by tourists.

One of the reindeer treated with reflective spray. Picture: AFP Photo / Finland’s Reindeer Herders’ Association / Anne Ollila

The eye-catching new move is the latest attempt to halt some of the thousands of road deaths of the roaming caribou in the wilds of Finland.

Anne Ollila of the Finnish Reindeer Herder’s Association says the antlers of 20 reindeer have been painted with various fluorescent dyes to see how the animals react and whether the paints are resistant to the harsh Arctic climate.

If successful, animals with glittering antlers will be free to roam Lapland - a vast area in northern Finland where herders tend to some 200,000 reindeer.

Ms Ollila says reflectors and reflective tape have proven unsuccessful as reindeer have torn them off - and road signs warning drivers of roaming reindeer often are stolen by tourists as souvenirs.