Tag Page Caribou

Caribou crisis hits Northwest Alaska families

Caribou numbers in Northwest Alaska have plummeted to their lowest since the 1970s, dropping from nearly half a million to just 121,000. This isn’t just a wildlife story—it’s a real blow for local families who rely on these herds for food. With more hunting restrictions likely, many in rural villages face tough choices, especially when male caribou don’t migrate near their homes. It’s a tough balance: protect the herd or risk losing a vital food source. How should communities and wildlife managers respond when survival and tradition are both at stake? #Science #Alaska #Caribou