As previously mentioned, there are about half-a-dozen distinct but closely related species of caribou making their homes in Alaska and northwestern Canada, including the Yukon. Each group stays by itself in its winter home area and, with few exceptions, migrates hundreds of miles north to the Arctic in April and May. There they enjoy the cool weather and ample food provided for them by a loving Creator. During their stay, the little ones are born. Then in late June or July they return south to their winter homelands.
The porcupine variety is one of two species that number in the thousands. This name identifies them as living south of the Porcupine River in the forests and meadows of Canada and up into northeast Alaska. A full-grown male will weigh 300 pounds or more and measure six feet long and four feet high at the shoulders.
They have remarkable, upswept antlers, reaching about four feet above their heads and five feet across, with many sharp-pointed sections on them. Along with these is a pair of smaller sections, pointing forward from their foreheads with more "spikes." No other animal is likely to attack a male caribou. The antlers on the females are smaller. (By the way, female caribou are the only American female deer that have antlers.)
The other outstanding group is known as the western Arctic. These are similar in size to the porcupines but are more handsome. The males have brown fur from the backs of their necks to the fronts of their stubby tails, contrasting with snow-white fur on their chests and stomachs. The females don't have these outstanding colors. This seems to display the kind provision of the Creator in helping to conceal them from bears and wolves when giving birth and nursing their little calves.
Another species is the Prudhoe's caribou. This is a much smaller group of only about 18,000. They are named this because their homes are on Prudhoe Bay, in seaside meadows about 100 miles wide. They do not migrate since the weather is mild with ample year-round food.
The most numerous species is the Barren Ground caribou who make their homes in what is known as the Barren Ground region of the Arctic. A big male will weigh more than half a ton and has an appropriately loud, harsh roar which can be heard three miles away.
If space permitted, a few more could be added. But they are very similar, and each species is an additional wonder of God's creation. As we think of these beasts and the Creator's care over them, we should think of how He cares for us too. We should be happy to say, as the Psalmist did, "Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble" (Psa. 32:77Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. (Psalm 32:7)). The important thing is to know Him as your own Savior, and then stay near Him and see the proof of His loving care.