Officials said MassWildlife worked closely with veterinarians at the North Pole to ensure Santa’s team of reindeer – Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, among others – did not pose a risk of disease transmission to their relatives in Massachusetts, the state’s native whitetail populations. represents deer and elk.

“Santa takes the health of his reindeer and the wildlife they encounter very seriously,” he said Martin Feehan, MassWildlife’s chief deer biologist. “We are pleased to report that his team is in top form and ready to bring some Christmas cheer.”

State officials have been keeping a close eye on the skies in recent weeks as the number of reported drone sightings over Massachusetts has increased. Healey previously urged drone operators to “comply with all applicable laws, regulations and appropriate operating procedures” — a directive that presumably also applies to sled operators.

Vermont also released Santa Claus and his reindeer for their evening flight, with special provisions for reflective glitter and tinsel on the sleigh “to increase visibility (and cheer),” according to the state’s Department of Agriculture. Connecticut officials did the same on Monday, despite medical concerns about a “shiny red nose.”

It’s still unclear whether Santa has received permission to fly over the rest of New England. North Pole officials could not be reached for comment.

Camilo Fonseca can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @fonseca_esq and on Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports.