Why Don't Americans Eat Reindeer?

In North America, reindeer are often seen as mythical creatures associated with Santa. However, they are real animals, and there was an attempt to establish a reindeer herding industry in Alaska after the U.S. purchased the territory from Russia. Despite initial efforts, the industry faced numerous challenges, including competition from the cattle industry, legal restrictions, and the Great Depression. These factors, along with environmental challenges, led to the decline of reindeer herding. Today, a small industry persists in northwest Alaska, but it faces new challenges like climate change. For most, reindeer remain a symbol of Christmas rather than a food source.

What factors contributed to the decline of the reindeer population in North America?

What are some of the current challenges faced by the reindeer herding industry in Alaska?