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 cooler 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. Their name shows that they have their calves along the Porcupine River in the forests and meadows of Canada and up into northeastern Alaska. They migrate more than 1,500 miles. This is the longest migration of any land animal on earth.
They have beautiful antlers which look like two sets, one reaching back and up, over their backs, and the other forward and up, over their heads. The males’ antlers reach about four feet above their heads, with many branches. No other animal is likely to attack a male caribou with such a huge set of antlers! The females also have antlers, but their antlers are smaller.
Another beautiful species is known as the western Arctic caribou. The males have brown fur from their backs to their stubby tails, contrasting with snow-white fur around their necks. The females don’t have these outstanding colors. This seems to display the kind provision of the Creator in helping to keep them hidden from bears and wolves when giving birth and nursing their young calves.
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 can think of how He cares for us, too. We may 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 Savior, and then stay near Him all your life, and you will see how much He loves and cares for you. There is no one who truly walks close to the Lord Jesus their whole life who is later sorry that they did it!
Did You Know?
Porcupine caribou migrate more than 1,500 miles a year.
Messages of God’s Love 6/4/2023