Snowmobiling and Caribou in British Columbia Revised ar ld 2007
Snowmobiling and Caribou in
© G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
© Joanne McLeod
© Craig Pettit
Welcome to the BCSF Training Module for Snowmobilers
Photo by Joanne McLeod
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou are hoofed mammals that are larger than deer but smaller than Elk
Photo by G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Their coloration can vary slightly but their bodies are usually medium to light brown with shades of gray and white on their rumps and necks Both males and females grow antlers; the male’s antlers are usually larger and fall off earlier in the winter than those of the females
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou hooves are similar in size to moose, with more rounded shape. As a caribou generally weighs only half as much as a moose, it is often able to walk on top of the snow pack
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou feed primarily on lichens during winter months. During spring and summer they will feed on a variety of plants Caribou and other ungulates have two dew claws and two hooves on each foot. These provide a number of benefits in their harsh environment
Sunday, 11 March, 12
© BC Government
What are Caribou? Their toes spread out wide to act like
snowshoes – distributing the animal's weight so that it can "float" over snow, soft ice, and wet muskeg without sinking in as far as other ungulates
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? The sharp-edged hooves easily
break and clear the snow when caribou dig for food The name caribou comes from the Micmac Indian word "xalibu,“ meaning "the pawer"
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou make a characteristic clicking sound when they move, but this does not come from their hooves, but rather from the tendons slipping over the bones in their feet It's a good thing they aren't predators how could they sneak up on anything when they "click" with every step?
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Large feet make good paddles Caribou are very strong swimmers and often have to cross wide rushing rivers that block their migration path
Photo by Leo DeGroot
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Caribou Ecotypes All Caribou in BC are Woodland Caribou They are further divided into three ecotypes- Boreal, Northern, and Mountain, depending on their feeding and movement behaviour
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal Caribou in British Columbia
Live in the low elevation, flatter area of muskeg and open forests in northeastern BC, north of Fort St. John
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal
Their range also extends across the northern boreal forests of much of Canada Ground lichens are their main winter food
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BCCaribou in British Columbia
They live in the west central and northern parts of BC and parts of Alberta
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC During winter they feed on lichens that grow on the ground; digging through the snow when necessary They usually choose low elevation pine forests or windswept ridges where the snow is less deep
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BCCaribou in British Columbia
Live in the interior wet belt that stretches from northern Idaho and Washington to an area north of Prince George
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC They are different from other caribou because in winter they survive by eating lichens that grow on trees This trait allows them to live in this deep snow zone as they do not have to dig through snow for ground lichens as do other caribou
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Mountain Caribou Being
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Identifying Caribou There can be considerable variation within a Caribou Ecotype (Mountain, Northern and Boreal)
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Caribou
Photo by G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? Certain populations of woodland caribou are listed as threatened under the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) Populations of caribou are legally designated under the British Columbia Forests and Range Practices Act (FRPA) The Ministry of Environment manages certain herds for recovery
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Mountain Caribou at Risk Mountain Caribou are the most threatened of all caribou in BC. They no longer live in almost half of their original range and populations have declined Photo by G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Mountain Caribou at Risk
Mountain Caribou’s main winter foods are tree lichens, which grow very slowly Abundant tree lichens are usually found only in old growth forests
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Mountain Caribou at Risk Large tracts of old forest allow Mountain Caribou to disperse in small numbers to avoid predators
Photo by Leo DeGroot
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? Forest harvesting removes old trees, resulting in a reduced and scattered food supply and a more fragmented landscape
Photo by Trevor Kinley
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? After old forests are cut, young shrubs and trees grow Moose, deer and elk move in, attracted by the new growth Their presence supports more predators and increases the risk that caribou will encounter predators
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? Road access for forest harvesting, back country lodges and other developments has also increased recreational access and associated disturbances
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Threats to Northern Caribou Threats to Northern Caribou are similar, although the pine forests and associated ground lichens may recover in a shorter period of time The current spread of mountain pine beetle may have significant negative effects on Northern Caribou habitat
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Threats to Boreal Caribou Threats to Boreal Caribou include: Habitat fragmentation Increased human access; and Disturbance as a result of industrial activities
Sunday, 11 March, 12
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou? Clumps of trees amongst large open areas in the high country of the Interior Wet Belt are ideally suited for Mountain Caribou, as well as for various types of skiing and snowmobiling. Photo by Craig Pettit
Sunday, 11 March, 12
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou? Snowmobiling and skiing may cause
caribou to move into less suitable habitat where foraging is not as efficient or where steeper terrain may cause avalanche hazards.
Sunday, 11 March, 12
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou? Unnecessary movements of caribou may also deplete their energy reserves during critical time periods.
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? Do not ride in areas that are closed to snowmobiling If caribou are encountered in a play area, do not approach them and shut down your machines to give animals a chance to move away. Then, leave the area and refrain from riding within sight of the caribou
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? If caribou are encountered in your travels, turn off your engine, remain on the sled until the caribou have passed Taking photographs is okay, but from a distance
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? Do not approach the caribou! If caribou tracks are observed, do not follow! Check for local informational brochures/maps, showing areas that caribou use and areas closed to snowmobiling Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? To avoid damaging vegetation, ride only where the snow is greater than 30cm deep Pack out what you pack in Promote good stewardship practices, respect the areas, obey the signs and support your local snowmobile club, they work hard for your right to ride! © Leo DeGroot
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Summary This presentation should: Give you a brief understanding of caribou in British Columbia Provide you with enough knowledge of what a caribou looks like, and what to do if you encounter one
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Shared Stewardship
Shared Stewardship means everyone doing their part
Sunday, 11 March, 12
BCSF Mission MISSION STATEMENT: “ The British Columbia Snowmobile Federation is dedicated to provide strong leadership and support to member clubs to establish, maintain and protect quality opportunities for organized snowmobiling in British Columbia and to promote the safe and environmentally responsible use of these opportunities.”
Sunday, 11 March, 12
© G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
© Joanne McLeod
© Craig Pettit
Welcome to the BCSF Training Module for Snowmobilers
Photo by Joanne McLeod
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou are hoofed mammals that are larger than deer but smaller than Elk
Photo by G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Their coloration can vary slightly but their bodies are usually medium to light brown with shades of gray and white on their rumps and necks Both males and females grow antlers; the male’s antlers are usually larger and fall off earlier in the winter than those of the females
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou hooves are similar in size to moose, with more rounded shape. As a caribou generally weighs only half as much as a moose, it is often able to walk on top of the snow pack
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou feed primarily on lichens during winter months. During spring and summer they will feed on a variety of plants Caribou and other ungulates have two dew claws and two hooves on each foot. These provide a number of benefits in their harsh environment
Sunday, 11 March, 12
© BC Government
What are Caribou? Their toes spread out wide to act like
snowshoes – distributing the animal's weight so that it can "float" over snow, soft ice, and wet muskeg without sinking in as far as other ungulates
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? The sharp-edged hooves easily
break and clear the snow when caribou dig for food The name caribou comes from the Micmac Indian word "xalibu,“ meaning "the pawer"
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Caribou make a characteristic clicking sound when they move, but this does not come from their hooves, but rather from the tendons slipping over the bones in their feet It's a good thing they aren't predators how could they sneak up on anything when they "click" with every step?
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What are Caribou? Large feet make good paddles Caribou are very strong swimmers and often have to cross wide rushing rivers that block their migration path
Photo by Leo DeGroot
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Caribou Ecotypes All Caribou in BC are Woodland Caribou They are further divided into three ecotypes- Boreal, Northern, and Mountain, depending on their feeding and movement behaviour
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal Caribou in British Columbia
Live in the low elevation, flatter area of muskeg and open forests in northeastern BC, north of Fort St. John
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal
Their range also extends across the northern boreal forests of much of Canada Ground lichens are their main winter food
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BCCaribou in British Columbia
They live in the west central and northern parts of BC and parts of Alberta
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC During winter they feed on lichens that grow on the ground; digging through the snow when necessary They usually choose low elevation pine forests or windswept ridges where the snow is less deep
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BCCaribou in British Columbia
Live in the interior wet belt that stretches from northern Idaho and Washington to an area north of Prince George
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Types of Caribou in BC They are different from other caribou because in winter they survive by eating lichens that grow on trees This trait allows them to live in this deep snow zone as they do not have to dig through snow for ground lichens as do other caribou
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Mountain Caribou Being
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Identifying Caribou There can be considerable variation within a Caribou Ecotype (Mountain, Northern and Boreal)
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Caribou
Photo by G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? Certain populations of woodland caribou are listed as threatened under the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) Populations of caribou are legally designated under the British Columbia Forests and Range Practices Act (FRPA) The Ministry of Environment manages certain herds for recovery
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Mountain Caribou at Risk Mountain Caribou are the most threatened of all caribou in BC. They no longer live in almost half of their original range and populations have declined Photo by G Beaudry
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Mountain Caribou at Risk
Mountain Caribou’s main winter foods are tree lichens, which grow very slowly Abundant tree lichens are usually found only in old growth forests
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Mountain Caribou at Risk Large tracts of old forest allow Mountain Caribou to disperse in small numbers to avoid predators
Photo by Leo DeGroot
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? Forest harvesting removes old trees, resulting in a reduced and scattered food supply and a more fragmented landscape
Photo by Trevor Kinley
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? After old forests are cut, young shrubs and trees grow Moose, deer and elk move in, attracted by the new growth Their presence supports more predators and increases the risk that caribou will encounter predators
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Are Caribou at Risk and Why? Road access for forest harvesting, back country lodges and other developments has also increased recreational access and associated disturbances
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Threats to Northern Caribou Threats to Northern Caribou are similar, although the pine forests and associated ground lichens may recover in a shorter period of time The current spread of mountain pine beetle may have significant negative effects on Northern Caribou habitat
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Threats to Boreal Caribou Threats to Boreal Caribou include: Habitat fragmentation Increased human access; and Disturbance as a result of industrial activities
Sunday, 11 March, 12
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou? Clumps of trees amongst large open areas in the high country of the Interior Wet Belt are ideally suited for Mountain Caribou, as well as for various types of skiing and snowmobiling. Photo by Craig Pettit
Sunday, 11 March, 12
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou? Snowmobiling and skiing may cause
caribou to move into less suitable habitat where foraging is not as efficient or where steeper terrain may cause avalanche hazards.
Sunday, 11 March, 12
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou? Unnecessary movements of caribou may also deplete their energy reserves during critical time periods.
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? Do not ride in areas that are closed to snowmobiling If caribou are encountered in a play area, do not approach them and shut down your machines to give animals a chance to move away. Then, leave the area and refrain from riding within sight of the caribou
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? If caribou are encountered in your travels, turn off your engine, remain on the sled until the caribou have passed Taking photographs is okay, but from a distance
Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? Do not approach the caribou! If caribou tracks are observed, do not follow! Check for local informational brochures/maps, showing areas that caribou use and areas closed to snowmobiling Sunday, 11 March, 12
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact? To avoid damaging vegetation, ride only where the snow is greater than 30cm deep Pack out what you pack in Promote good stewardship practices, respect the areas, obey the signs and support your local snowmobile club, they work hard for your right to ride! © Leo DeGroot
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Summary This presentation should: Give you a brief understanding of caribou in British Columbia Provide you with enough knowledge of what a caribou looks like, and what to do if you encounter one
Sunday, 11 March, 12
Shared Stewardship
Shared Stewardship means everyone doing their part
Sunday, 11 March, 12
BCSF Mission MISSION STATEMENT: “ The British Columbia Snowmobile Federation is dedicated to provide strong leadership and support to member clubs to establish, maintain and protect quality opportunities for organized snowmobiling in British Columbia and to promote the safe and environmentally responsible use of these opportunities.”
Sunday, 11 March, 12
