Reindeer, Ptarmigan Share Coveted Ice-Free Spot (IMAGE) Norwegian University of Science and Technology Caption During the winter and spring following heavy rain-on-snow events, herbivores in Svalbard may find their food sources covered by an impenetrable coat of ice. This can force wild reindeer and rock ptarmigan to aggregate in the few ice-free spots that are available. Credit Nicholas Lecomte, Norwegian Polar Institute Usage Restrictions Photo must include photo credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.