Survey Finds Western Arctic Caribou Herd Numbers Still Decreasing, But At Slower Rate

Here’s more from the Anchorage Daily News:

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently shared the results from this summer’s photo census of the herd, which is estimated at 152,000 animals. That indicates a 7% decline from the previous year.

“It just represents a continued decline for the last 20 years since 2003,” said Alex Hansen, wildlife biologist with Fish and Game. “That’s a concern.”

From 2021 to 2022, the herd lost 24,000 caribou, dropping to a population of 164,000 animals — the lowest count since the early 1980s. From 2022 to 2023, the loss was 12,000 animals.

“The slower rate of decline is one bit of hopeful news for this herd,” said Brittany Sweeney, outreach specialist at Selawik National Wildlife Refuge.

ADFG’s Board of Game proposals regarding Western Arctic Herd caribou management include the following:

“Reduce the bag limit for taking caribou in Units 21D Remainder, 22, 23, 24B Remainder, 24C, 24D and 26A to four caribou per year, only one of which may be a cow.”

“Close nonresident caribou hunting in Units 21D Remainder, 22, 23, 24B Remainder, 24C, 24D, and 26A.”

“Reduce the bag limit for taking caribou in Units 21D Remainder, 22, 23, 24B Remainder, 24C, 24D and 26A to four caribou per year, only one of which may be a cow.”

“Close nonresident caribou hunting in Units 21D Remainder, 22, 23, 24B Remainder, 24C, 24D, and 26A.”