When skiing at the Gorge there is a likelyhood you will encounter either Caribou or their tracks in winter.
These animals are following ancient migration routes used for thousands of years. It is important we give them space.
Caribou Best Practices:
If you encounter Caribou:
The closer you are, to any animals, the higher the likelihood of stress for them. This in turn causes them to exert unnecessary energy.
Winter is a critical time when their fat reserves are low, and they must conserve energy, and avoid stresses to be able to survive until the Spring. Moving under stress in deep snow is very exerting physically.
Caribou in Winter are typically found in tree line and below tree line areas. The high snowpack allows them to evade predators and access their primary food source, lichen (“Old Man’s Beard”), found hanging from trees.
Their hooves are wider and more "snowshoe like" to allow them to walk around in deep snow. While their tracks may look similar to Moose, they are usually wider and not as deep in the snow.
When migrating, Caribou often walk in each other's tracks, for ease of movement - very similar to breaking trail, which can make estimating their numbers difficult.
If they remain in an area for a longer period, their tracks spread out as they forage for food.
Recreationalists are most likely to encounter Caribou in old-growth areas at these elevations.
All wildlife - always has right of way. You may also encounter (Early/Late Season) Grizzly Bears, Moose, Cougars, Wolverines, Pine Marten and even the odd Porcupine.
Ensure if you are skiing with your Dog, that it is either on a leash, or has good "recall skills". Do NOT Let your dog chase or harass any animals.
The herd of Caribou in our area is somewhere between 6- and maybe 10 animals. Though animals from the larger herd to the North may also transit through at times.
Please report any sightings and/or tracks on your "Trip Report" located on our website
These animals are following ancient migration routes used for thousands of years. It is important we give them space.
Caribou Best Practices:
- Non-disturbance is key. Give them as much space as possible and minimize noise (e.g., sleds, helicopters).
- The minimum distance from sighted animals is 500 meters in any direction. (If possible) even if on your uptrack
If you encounter Caribou:
- Adjust your plans, things such as changing your skin track direction or ski line.
- Alert others in your party and other user groups of the location of any animals or tracks encountered, and your plan to avoid the area.
- Avoid following fresh Caribou tracks.
The closer you are, to any animals, the higher the likelihood of stress for them. This in turn causes them to exert unnecessary energy.
Winter is a critical time when their fat reserves are low, and they must conserve energy, and avoid stresses to be able to survive until the Spring. Moving under stress in deep snow is very exerting physically.
Caribou in Winter are typically found in tree line and below tree line areas. The high snowpack allows them to evade predators and access their primary food source, lichen (“Old Man’s Beard”), found hanging from trees.
Their hooves are wider and more "snowshoe like" to allow them to walk around in deep snow. While their tracks may look similar to Moose, they are usually wider and not as deep in the snow.
When migrating, Caribou often walk in each other's tracks, for ease of movement - very similar to breaking trail, which can make estimating their numbers difficult.
If they remain in an area for a longer period, their tracks spread out as they forage for food.
Recreationalists are most likely to encounter Caribou in old-growth areas at these elevations.
All wildlife - always has right of way. You may also encounter (Early/Late Season) Grizzly Bears, Moose, Cougars, Wolverines, Pine Marten and even the odd Porcupine.
Ensure if you are skiing with your Dog, that it is either on a leash, or has good "recall skills". Do NOT Let your dog chase or harass any animals.
The herd of Caribou in our area is somewhere between 6- and maybe 10 animals. Though animals from the larger herd to the North may also transit through at times.
Please report any sightings and/or tracks on your "Trip Report" located on our website
Gorge Ski Touring Association
Malakwa, BC
Malakwa, BC
