Caribou are actually the same species as reindeer, though there’s a key difference between them. Reindeer are exclusive to Europe and Asia, while caribou are found here in the northern regions of Canada’s provinces and territories and throughout our massive boreal forests, where they are essential to both our communities and ecosystems.

Essential Travel

Caribou carry out one of the biggest large mammal migrations in the entire animal kingdom. Some travel nearly 1,000 km north each year following spring thaw, only to return that far south with the first snowfall. As they roam through vast areas and forage on vegetation in large herds of hundreds of thousands (a single adult caribou can eat up to 12 pounds of food each day), their droppings add nitrogen, a component essential for healthy plant growth, to tundra soil. Indigenous communities have also been closely intertwined with caribou herds for millenia, relying on them as a source of traditional food and clothing, as spiritual ancestor, gift from the creator, totem spirit, and neighbour. The boreal woodland caribou herds share land with approximately 300 First Nation communities.

Caring for Caribou

Despite their significance, caribou are a vulnerable species. Because they are found across such varied landscapes, a multitude of human and environmental factors can threaten their survival. As the Arctic warms due to climate change, caribou become more susceptible to diseases and parasites that can spread quickly throughout a herd. During winters more frequent icing events from rain falling over snow prevent access to food, which caribou usually dig out from snow using hooves hollowed out like a scoop. Industrial development like forest or oil harvesting and new road networks also alter the route of a herd and lead to high calf mortality rates. So when you’re spending your quarters this holiday season, think of the caribou and the care they need to protect them in their vulnerable state. Here are some ways you can help. Let’s do the same for each other, too!