A Year of Growth & Challenges
Successful but Challenging Capture Season
The 11th year of maternal penning began with low snow levels, higher temperatures, and unpredictable weather, making this year’s capture logistically difficult. Thanks to the dedicated 22-member capture crew, 17 adult females and 4 juveniles were successfully transported to the Bickford pen.
- Total captured: 21 caribou (17 adults, 4 juveniles)
- Oldest caribou: C319K (16 years old, has had 5 successful calves in the pen)
- Multi-generational: 13 caribou born in the pen, including one fourth-generation
Caribou Family Reunions in the Pen
Some returning mothers reunited with offspring from previous years:
- C465K & C462K rejoined their two-year-old calves from 2022
- C374S & C355K were reunited with their four-year-old calves from 2020
Early Losses & Pregnancy Expectations
Despite a smooth capture process, one cow (C525S) was lost 12 days after capture. In addition, two females—C319K (due to age) and C567K (miscarriage)—are unlikely to give birth.
- Pregnancy tests underway using Pregnancy-Specific Protein B (PSPB)
- Estimated calf births: 18, matching last year’s record high
- Calf mortality trends emerging: 10% loss rate, similar to cattle ranching, including miscarriages, stillbirths, and early deaths
Tracking & Research: Expanding Our Knowledge
New Collars Deployed
Following pen captures, 8 additional collars were deployed:
- 4 on previously collared cows to maintain spatial distribution tracking
- 4 on male caribou to observe movement into adjacent herd areas
Population Growth & Survey Findings
- 158 caribou observed—a 26-animal increase, the largest growth since recovery began!
- Three-year per capita growth rate: 17%
- Bickford pen influence: About 55 caribou gathered around Bickford, while 30+ remained at Mt. Rochfort
- Orphaned calves #38 & #19 were spotted—small but healthy and integrating well
Read the full update for more details and see amazing photos from the field!