In 1985 woodland caribou were added to Alberta's endangered wildlife list. Their numbers have been declining since early this century. Today, fewer than 7,000 remain, sparsely distributed over northern and west-central Alberta.
Species Habitat
Most remain in forested habitats year-round. The mountain population of caribou migrates 80 km or more between their forested foothills winter range and alpine summer range.
Size of Specie
Adult bulls weigh up to 270 kg but average about 180 kg. Cows average 115 kg. Both males and females grow antlers but cows are shorter and have fewer points.
Caribou's major food sources are ground and tree lichens. It takes 80 to 150 years for a forest to grow enough lichens for caribou. They also eat shrubs, grasses and willows.
Risks to the Specie
Logging, coal mining and oil and gas exploration have greatly reduced the woodland caribou's habitat. When large areas of old-growth coniferous forests are logged, moose, deer and elk populations increase. As their prey become more plentiful, more wolves move in. Caribou are most vulnerable to wolves so they suffer the greatest losses.
Hunting Rules
It is illegal to kill or disturb caribou at any time in Alberta.
