Porcupine
Caribou Migration
Fall:
August-November
Unlike many animals that migrate during two main periods of the year, spring and fall, the Porcupine caribou’s annual migration is divided into 8 major periods with many smaller movements in between. We will make this simpler to fit our 4 major seasons- Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.
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August
8-October 7:
Caribou food sources (biomass) on the coastal plain are declining during
this period and the weather has turned cold. The first early snow storms
accompany the caribou as they leave the coastal plain of the Beaufort
Sea on their southward migration into the mountains and valleys.
October
8-November 30:
This period of migration is characterized by snowstorms and occasional
warmer weather to melt the snow allowing the caribou to find lichens more
easily.
Lessons for Fall
- Armchair
Scientists: Monitoring Caribou Climate
Follow the weather in Old Crow. Record and compare their temperatures and daylength with your own. - Video
Clip:
Animated Movements of the Porcupine Caribou
Want to see a sneak preview of the caribou migration? This animation, created with 10 years of satellite tracking data shows the annual migration of the Porcupine caribou. - The
Importance of Caribou to Native Culture and Economy
Traditionally the caribou were essential for the survival of the Northern Indian people.
Follow the Porcupine caribou migration this year:
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