We wish to thank the following for their contribution to this presentation  Ministry of Environment-Stewardship Branch  Ministry of Agriculture & Lands-ILMB (Photographs)  Leo DeGroot  Trevor Kinley  Gary Beaudry  Craig Pettit  Milo Burcham

© G Beaudry © Craig Pettit

Three “ecotypes” of Woodland Caribou are found in BC: Boreal Boreal (1,500) Northern Northern (15,000) Mountain Mountain (1,900) Ecotypes are based on differences in behavior and habitat use; rather than genetic evidence

 Caribou are hoofed mammals Photo by G Beaudry

 Their coloration can vary slightly but their bodies are usually medium to light brown with shades of gray and white on their rumps and necks  Both males and females grow antlers; the male’s antlers are usually larger and fall off earlier in the winter than those of the females

 Caribou hooves are similar in size to moose, with a more rounded shape.  As a caribou generally weighs only half as much as a moose, it is often able to walk on top of the snow pack

 Their toes spread out wide to act like snowshoes – distributing the animal's weight so that it can "float" over snow, soft ice, and wet muskeg without sinking in as far as other ungulates

 The sharp-edged hooves easily break and clear the snow when caribou dig for food  The name caribou comes from the Micmac Indian word "xalibu,“ meaning "the pawer"

 Large feet make good paddles  Caribou are very strong swimmers and often have to cross wide rushing rivers that block their migration path Photo by Leo DeGroot

 They live in the low elevation, flatter area of muskeg and open forests in northeastern BC, north of Fort St. John Caribou in British Columbia

 Their range also extends across the northern boreal forests of much of Canada  Ground lichens are their main winter food

 They live in the west central and northern parts of BC and parts of Alberta Caribou in British Columbia

 During winter they feed on lichens that grow on the ground; digging through the snow when necessary  They usually choose low elevation pine forests or windswept ridges where the snow is less deep

 They live in the interior wet belt that stretches from northern Idaho and Washington to an area north of Prince George Caribou in British Columbia

 They are different from other caribou because in winter they survive by eating lichens that grow on trees  This trait allows them to live in this deep snow zone as they do not have to dig through snow for ground lichens as do other caribou

 Mountain Caribou’s main winter foods are tree lichens, which are generally slow growing.

Photo by G Beaudry

 Large tracts of forest allow Mountain Caribou to disperse in small numbers to avoid predators and much of this has been lost.

Road access for forest harvesting, back country lodges and other developments has also increased recreational access and associated disturbances.

Threats to Woodland Caribou include:  Habitat fragmentation  Increased human access; and  Disturbance as a result of industrial activities

 Clumps of trees amongst large open areas in the high country of the Interior Wet Belt are ideally suited for Mountain Caribou, as well as for various types of backcountry recreation including Snowmobiling. Photo by Craig Pettit

may  Although loss of habitat and predation are considered the leading factors surrounding the decline of Caribou, Snowmobiling and other backcountry recreation may cause caribou to move into less suitable habitat where foraging is not as efficient, or where steeper terrain may cause avalanche and other hazards.

 Unnecessary dispersal from their feeding areas may also deplete their energy and cause additional stress during critical time periods.

© Leo DeGroot

Hopefully this presentation will:  Give you a brief understanding of caribou in British Columbia  Provide you with enough knowledge of what a caribou looks like, and what to do if you encounter one

Shared Stewardship Shared Stewardship means everyone doing their part

ABCSC CARIBOU SIGHTING REPORTING FORM CARIBOU SIGHTINGS (___________________ Area) ** Try to submit form on a regular basis ** Provide photos if available PLEASE SUBMIT ALL FORMS TO ABCSC FOR FURTHERANCE TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES ABCSC CARIBOU SIGHTING REPORTING FORM CARIBOU SIGHTINGS (___________________ Area) ** Try to submit form on a regular basis ** Provide photos if available PLEASE SUBMIT ALL FORMS TO ABCSC FOR FURTHERANCE TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES