Caribou Migration, 2000

Caribou Swimming in Lake Caribou Migration, 2000
September 16-17, 2000

Normally, caribou arrive at the homestead in August. Sometimes they move on through and sometimes they stay for all or part of the winter. In 2000, moose season came and went and no one knew where the caribou were. September 15, there were no caribou on the mountain. September 16, there were thousands. For only the second time in Dennis' memory, the main Nelchina herd migrated right through the homestead, swimming in solid lines across the lake (see photo) and swarming over the mountain like insects.

The caribou were still around in October. We watched a string of them attempt to cross what looked to be very thin ice. Suddenly, most of the group turned and ran back the way they had come. The lead bull had broken through, a long way from shore. We prayed as we watched his life-and-death struggle. He flung himself up onto the ice again and again, slowly breaking a path. He was becoming exhausted. It took over an hour, but he finally made it to shore and rested for an hour or more before moving on.