Reindeers are the characteristic animal in East Iceland. Their preferred area in the East region is in the highlands north and north-east of Vatnajökull and in the East Fjords. The reindeers in Efri-Jökuldalur are more visible in the winter and can be seen almost everywhere. In the summer however, the herds go further up to seek cooler climates and therefore are less likely to be seen in the valley during the summer. The reindeers travel between areas in the spring and autumn. There are no other deer animals that travel as far in large herds as reindeers do.