Woodland caribou

The most significant threat to caribou in Jasper National Park is their small population size. The number of breeding female caribou is now so small that too few calves are born each year to grow the herds.

Small herds are also especially vulnerable to predators, disease and accidents like avalanches. The loss of any animal in a small population can have serious consequences.

Many caribou populations have declined over the last century because of landscape changes that alter the number and distribution of prey like elk, deer and moose and predators like wolves.

In Jasper National Park, wildlife management practices in the early 1900s led to an overabundance of both elk and wolves for decades. This had long-term effects on caribou.

People can displace caribou from areas that are safe or that have good food sources. Caribou in the park can be disturbed by trail users, dogs, aircraft, or be killed in vehicle collisions on roadways.

Caribou have evolved to survive in the deep snow that drives predators to lower elevations where prey are easier to find and hunt. Trails packed by skiers and snowshoers can help lead wolves into these otherwise inaccessible areas.

Parks Canada is working to rebuild the Tonquin herd, and eventually the Brazeau and Maligne herds, by adding animals to the population through conservation breeding.

This involves capturing a small number of wild animals, breeding them in captivity, and releasing their offspring back into the wild to increase endangered wildlife populations.

Parks Canada changed wildlife management practices to reduce the human impact on wolf and elk populations. For example, before 2006, wolves often fed on animals killed by cars. When Parks Canada started removing roadkill, wolves had less “bonus” food, and their numbers began to go down.

Now, both elk and wolf populations are at more natural levels that no longer threaten the survival of healthy caribou herds.

To avoid disturbing caribou, dogs, bicycles, and landing and takeoff by hang gliders and paragliders are prohibited in caribou habitat.

In spring, highway speed limits are reduced to 70km/h in areas where caribou may cross the road.

Helicopters, airplanes, and drones must follow guidelines that keep them away from wildlife. Recreational use of drones in Jasper National Park is prohibited.

From November 1 to May 15, access to occupied caribou ranges is closed. We also no longer set cross-country ski tracks or permit the use of snowmobiles (for park or outfitter operations) in caribou habitat.

This prevents people from creating packed trails that could help wolves travel into important winter caribou habitat.

In Jasper National Park, critical habitat for caribou is protected by law under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. The national park provides a large protected area of secure habitat for caribou, where disturbance and habitat fragmentation are minimized.

Parks Canada has a caribou monitoring program that also collects information about deer, elk and wolves.

Monitoring wildlife helps us understand the relationships between these animals, how they use habitat in the park, and trends in their populations over time.

Parks Canada and the province of Alberta collaborate on monitoring the À la Pêche population. Jasper National Park also collaborates with the Canadian Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Canada, the province of British Columbia and universities in Canada and the United States on research projects to support caribou recovery.

• Participate in events and activities about caribou.
• Lend your voice. Participate in consultations or write your government representatives with your support for caribou conservation.

• Research closure areas and dog restrictions when planning a trip.
• Stay on trails to avoid disturbing caribou or the plants they eat.
• Leave antlers where you find them. Do not collect or take them home.
• Drive with care and respect for speed limits to prevent wildlife collisions.