It’s not unusual to see caribou feeding near roads in Gros Morne National Park, but Parks Canada says they’re seeing larger herds this year than usual. (Courtesy of Darroch Whittaker)
Parks Canada is warning drivers in Gros Morne National Park that more caribou have been spotted on roads this spring than usual.
Ecologist Darroch Whitaker told CBC News on Friday that it’s not unusual for caribou to head to beaches and highways in search of vegetation at this time of year, but they were seen in larger-than-usual herds along Highway 430. He said that he is now able to do so.
“We’ve seen herds of up to about 40 or 50 caribou at a time,” Whitaker said. “We’re seeing them specifically in several key areas within the park that are good habitat for them…gull marshes near St. Paul’s, and also in Trout River Gulch.”
Whitaker said caribou often behave differently than other animals, such as elk, which can add to the surprise when motorists encounter one.
“They travel in groups and often find several in the same area together. You may notice one but not realize there are several more right around the corner. ” he said.
“When they sense danger, their instinct is to go to an open area where they can run faster. And for them, that’s often the road. So when they see a car approaching, they go to an open area where they can drive faster. When they feel it, they often jump onto the road instead of running into the bushes. ”
Whittaker said it’s important to slow down as soon as you spot caribou and be ready to stop.
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