ABC Snowmobile Clubs

In keeping with the ABC Snowmobile ClubsGuidelines for Stewardship and Backcountry

behaviour, we hope you will find this presentation to be of assistance

AcknowledgementsWe wish to thank the following for their contribution

to this presentationMinistry of Environment-Stewardship BranchMinistry of Agriculture & Lands-ILMB(Photographs)Leo DeGrootTrevor KinleyGary BeaudryCraig PettitMilo Burcham

Snowmobiling and Caribou in British Columbia

© G Beaudry © Craig Pettit

Background

Three “ecotypes” of Woodland Caribou are found in BC:Boreal (1,500)Northern (15,000)Mountain (1,900)Ecotypes are based on differences in behavior and habitat use; rather than genetic evidence

What are Caribou?

Caribou are hoofed mammals

Photo by G Beaudry

General CharacteristicsLarger than deer, smaller than elk/moose (♂~200kg; ♀~130kg)

Life span: ♂ 8-12 yrs; ♀ 10-15 yrs

Calves late May/early JuneCalf mortality as high as 50%; calves make up ~15% population by late Winter adult mortality ~15%, but can vary annually from 0->30%, most mortalities occur during summer

Dispersed habitat selection:

Found over large area in low numbers (30-50 caribou 1000km²)Home ranges (♂ ~200-600+km²; ♀~130-350+km²)generally small incohesive groups (single females; 2-5; up to 25 in LW)

Food habits: arboreal lichens (Alectoria sarmentosa and Bryoria spp) during winter Lichen, Falsebox and few other shrubs in early winter wide variety of grasses, sedges, forbs, flowering plants, leaves of numerous shrubs during remainder of year

What do they look like?

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

Woodland Caribou

Northern Caribou

Boreal Caribou

Mountain Caribou

About Caribou?

Caribou hooves are similar in size to moose, with a 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

About Caribou?

Caribou and other ungulates have two dew claws and two hooves on each foot. These provide a number of benefits in their harsh environment

They leave a very distinct footprint

About 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

About 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"

Distinct characteristics

• 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?

Other characteristics?

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

Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal

They live in the low elevation, flatter area of muskeg and open forests in northeastern BC, north of Fort St. John

Caribou in British Columbia

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

Types of Caribou in BC-Northern

They live in the west central and northern parts of BC and parts of Alberta

Caribou in British Columbia

Types of Caribou in BC- Northern

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

Types of Caribou in BC-Mountain

They live in the interior wet belt that stretches from northern Idaho and Washington to an area north of Prince George

Caribou in British Columbia

Types of Caribou in BC-Mountain

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

Mountain CaribouMale Mountain Caribou

Female Mountain Caribou

Cows in Spring atKootenay Pass

Seasonal use patterns

Early Winter (November to mid-January)Low elevation closed-canopied ICH/ESSF

Late Winter (mid Jan to mid April)Upper elevation open-canopied ICH/ESSF/AT/parkland

Spring (mid April to May)Fresh green emerging vegetation

Summer/Fall (June to October)Mid to upper elevation ESSF/ATp, alpine areas

What Mountain Caribou feed on in Winter?

Mountain Caribou’s main winter foods are tree lichens, which are generally slow growing.

Availability of winter food

As Mountain Caribou feed primarily on Lichen during the winter, it must be accessible to them.

Accessibility relies on a number of factors, including snow depth and lower branch height in the surrounding forest cover.

Status: Species-at-Risk

FederalCOSEWIC (threatened)Species at Risk Act

Provincial (endangered)Red-listed (BC Conservation Data

Centre)Species at Risk Coordination Office

USA (endangered)US Endangered Species Act

Why are Mountain Caribou considered 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 dramatically

• Habitat loss is a primary cause of decline in populationshydroelectric, rural/urbanexpansion, highways, linearcorridors Photo by G Beaudry

Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?

• Habitat change– Fragmentation, forestry, wildfire, insects & disease– Predator/prey systems– Habitat effectiveness

• Disturbance– Roads– Backcountry recreation (heli-ski, cat-ski, snowmobiles,

backcountry skiers, lodges)– Habitat effectiveness

• Climate Change– seasonal habitat use patterns

Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?

Large tracts of forest allow Mountain Caribou to disperse in small numbers to avoid predators and much of this has been lost.

Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?

• After 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.

Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?

• Road access for forest harvesting, back country lodges and other developments has also increased recreational access and associated disturbances.

Threats to Woodland CaribouThreats to Woodland Caribou include:

Habitat fragmentation

Increased human access;

and Disturbance as a result of industrial activities

Clear Cuts

RemoteBackcountryrecreation

TimberHarvesting

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 backcountry recreation including Snowmobiling.

Photo by Craig Pettit

How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?

Although loss of habitat and predation are considered the leading factors surrounding the decline of Caribou, Snowmobiling and other backcountry recreation may cause caribou to move into less suitable habitat where foraging is not as efficient, or where steeper terrain may cause avalanche and other hazards.

How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?

Unnecessary dispersal from their feeding areas may also deplete their energy and cause additional stress during critical time periods.

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

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

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

Information brochures are available in most areas

What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact?

• 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 to protect your freedom to ride!

© Leo DeGroot

Summary

Hopefully this presentation will:

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

Shared StewardshipShared Stewardship means everyone doing their part

Please report sightings

When riding in areas where caribou are observed, please report these sightings as they will assist in overall management of the area.

A form is available from ABCSC to record any sightings

If you can provide photographs, it would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS FOR DOING YOUR PART!

Date Sex M F Location (Be as specific as possible/GPS/UTM)

Number of Animals

T=tracksS=Sightings

Comments Ex: Track age/Behaviour of animals when sighted

ABCSC CARIBOU SIGHTING REPORTING FORM

CARIBOU SIGHTINGS (___________________ Area)

** Try to submit form on a regular basis ** Provide photos if available

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL FORMS TO ABCSC FOR FURTHERANCE TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES

Thank YouThis presentation is part of the

Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs Outreach programs