Rudolph the red nosed reindeer probably was not bullied for his crimson snout—because he and his fellow reindeer cannot see the color red.
In news that may shock the North Pole, University of Exeter scientists have revealed that Santa’s sleigh-pullers lack the color-detecting eye cells that humans use to detect red.
The same applies to orange—meaning Donner, Blitzen and the rest might struggle to spot any carrots left out for them at Christmas.
Reindeer can’t detect the color orange so might struggle to see carrots left out for them at Christmas (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Explained Professor Martin Stevens, of the University of Exeter:
“Reindeer can’t see red light or tell the difference between red, orange and green. So they wouldn’t be able to see the red of Rudolph’s nose or the orange of carrots.”
“However, they do have ultraviolet vision, and use this to see lichen hidden in the snow in the Arctic, and potentially even spot white wolves or other predators because fur absorbs UV light whereas snow reflects UV light.”
“So a camouflaged white wolf to us would stand out to reindeer.”
Apart from the UV vision, reindeer eyesight is a little like that of dogs, which are also unable to tell the difference between red, orange and green.
Professor Stevens and his colleagues’ work on animal vision also includes horses, leading to a trial of new colors on fences at racecourses.
The Twittersphere had plenty of feelings about the news.
Well I believe both sides of science
— ohitsjustme (@____Queen____V) December 7, 2018
Great. Chrismas is ruined. Thanks.
— Stacey Brownell (@brownell_stacey) December 7, 2018
Well then why were all of the other reindeer laughing at him? Answer that for all of us Mr. Fancy Pants Scientists! pic.twitter.com/4IWKJd4aNK
— Just Me (@mywritingrealm) December 7, 2018
WE’VE BEEN LIED TO ALL THESE YEARS
— Sanchez (@EskimoSanchez) December 7, 2018
They can see frequencies at the ultraviolet end. That’s the colour spectrum. Science is defined by human achievements.
— Noah Zizz ™ (@KnowsHisNoses) December 7, 2018
Next you’ll be telling me there’s no such thing as Santa Claus.
— Sanchez (@EskimoSanchez) December 7, 2018
What?!
— Suzieq0473 (@Suzieq0473) December 7, 2018
Some pointed out a few other reindeer facts.
Also, I heard all the male reindeers lose their antlers during winter but, females don’t. Therefore, the sleigh 🛷 is pulled by females. 😅
— triplevi (@viviviteri) December 7, 2018
They can’t fly either….oops, did I say that out loud?
— Nick Paul (@nickpaul2005) December 7, 2018
has anyone told scientists that reindeer cant fly as well
— Flap Zappa ForBrexitProExit #KBO (@In_A_Flap) December 7, 2018
While others clarified why the other reindeer were laughing at Rudolph—the oh so brightness of his nose, not the color.
I don’t think it is the color that is helpful. It is more that his nose is oh so bright. The color probably more helps for other airlines in the area, but then it would probably have to flash.
— Joe Jenkins (@joejbaseball) December 7, 2018
It was the glowing that precipitated the decision to allow Rudolph to lead, not the color of his proboscis…
— Shannon Callahan (@AuthorShannonC) December 7, 2018
Didn’t they listen to the song?
A version of this article originally appeared on Press Association.