Caribou calving on the Kobuk River, seems early to calf.
Observation: Caribou calving on the river ice today. Herd left cow behind on ice flow and she delivered successfully. Approximately 15 minutes later they departed northeast. Within minutes the calf had swam the frigid little channel of the Kobuk River and then the Squirrel River. Seems early to be calving.
Resource:
Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Species Profile: Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti), "Caribou have large, concave hoofs that spread widely to support the animal in snow and soft tundra. The feet also function as paddles when caribou swim. Caribou are the only member of the deer family (Cervidae) in which both sexes grow antlers."
