Summary
Woodland Caribou in Ontario
Woodland caribou are the largest of the caribou species; however, they possess smaller antlers as they inhabit wooded areas, such as marshes, bogs, lakes, and river regions. These creatures differ significantly from the plains caribou, both in behavior and habitat.
Unlike their plains counterparts, woodland caribou do not form large herds and do not migrate vast distances. They tend to remain in a specific area during winter months and only migrate short distances of 50 to 100 km throughout the rest of the year.
Currently, woodland caribou are classified as a threatened species, facing significant challenges to their survival on the mainland of Ontario. Predators such as wolves pose a considerable threat, leading to their current residence primarily on predator-free islands.
Camping on the Slate Islands
The Slate Islands provide an ideal camping and paddling environment due to the absence of bears, wolves, and moose. Campers enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their safety is ensured.
These gentle animals, the caribou, pose no threat. At times, they may appear skittish but can also be quite curious. It’s not uncommon for them to wander through campsites, exploring their surroundings and nibbled on leftover ashes from campfires, or even grazing on grass into the early hours of the morning.
Naturally Superior Adventures
We booked our trip to the Slate Islands with Naturally Superior Adventures, where we enjoyed a night at the luxurious Rock Island Lodge. Most trips commence from this lodge.
Each evening, visitors gather for dinner, sharing stories about their upcoming adventures while savoring a comforting atmosphere by the fireplace.
The next day, expeditions begin after a hearty breakfast. We departed at 9:30 am for a 3.5-hour drive to Terrace Bay, where a water taxi transported us to the Slate Islands. The boat ride, lasting about 30 minutes, took our gear and kayaks across the rough waters, providing a smooth start to our journey.
Having a knowledgeable guide is crucial when exploring the Slate Islands or the coast of Lake Superior. Lake Superior’s weather changes rapidly, and without proper guidance, adventurers may find themselves in perilous situations.
Our guide, Jen, who has lived in North Bay and has been guiding in these waters for a decade, ensured we navigated safely. Thanks to her experience, we were able to locate the best camping spots frequented by caribou.
Loads of Caribou
During our visit, we spotted nine caribou, including a mother with her calf, a young male, and a mature male with impressive antlers. The solitary nature of woodland caribou makes encounters even more special.
Before our trip, we harbored misconceptions about woodland caribou being similar to the barren ground caribou, picturing hundreds of them frolicking in open fields. However, we learned that they are solitary beings, often seen alone or in small groups while foraging for moss and lichens.
The well-used paths on the Slate Islands resemble human-made hiking trails, demonstrating how these creatures navigate their environment in search of food.
The Challenges Woodland Caribou Face
Historically, during a particularly frigid winter in the early 1900s, woodland caribou migrated across the 10 km of frozen water and took refuge on the Slate Islands, where they found an abundance of lichen and no natural predators. Their population reached over 600. However, a food shortage in the 1990s drastically reduced their numbers to about 100 caribou today.
Seeing nine during our visit gives us hope that numbers may be on the rise. Fortunately, in 2014, cold winter conditions created a temporary land bridge to the mainland, allowing wolves access; however, they seem to have returned, allowing caribou to thrive without threat.
Yet, this subspecies of woodland caribou faces a challenging future. Their existence on the mainland is jeopardized by increased human encroachment and the presence of predators like wolves and moose.
Consequently, if woodland caribou cannot survive in predator-free areas like the Slate Islands or Michipicoten Island, their survival may be in jeopardy.
If you’re eager to see the gentle woodland caribou firsthand, visit the Slate Islands. They are undeniably adorable and a true testament to nature’s beauty.
If you’re looking for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or a relaxing retreat in paradise, consider planning your adventure with Naturally Superior Adventures.
