There are about half a dozen distinct but closely related species of caribou living in Alaska and northwestern Canada, including the Yukon Territory. 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 calves are born. Then in late June or July they return south to their winter homelands.
The porcupine caribou 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 northeastern Alaska. A full-grown male will weigh three hundred 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. 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 North American female deer that have antlers.
The other outstanding species is known as the western Arctic caribou. These are similar in size to the porcupines but are more handsome. The males have brown fur from the backs of their necks to their stubby tails, contrasting with snow-white fur on their chests and underparts. 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 young 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 a hundred 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. They live in what is known as the Barren Ground Region of the Arctic. A large male will weigh more than half a ton and has an appropriately loud, harsh roar, which can be heard three miles away.
The remaining species are very similar, and each one 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 gladly say, as the psalmist did, “Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble” (Psalm 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 Saviour, and then stay near Him and see the proof of His loving care.
ML-05/04/2008