Dr. Wilfred Grenfell brought the first team of reindeer to the Great Northern Peninsula, about 300 of them in 1907. Some of these animals carried a parasitic roundworm that spread to the native caribou herds.
Over the years, the caribou has seen upswings and almost decimation on the Great Northern Peninsula. There is renewed hope that these majestic animals are seeing their population grow. I continue to spot caribou all over the District from Croque (Route 438), Main Brook (Grenfell Drive), Cook’s Harbour (Route 435) and ofcourse the Viking Trail (Route 430), especially near the St. Anthony airport.
In recent weeks you could spot several dozen. On my flight home from Saturday travelling the St. Anthony airport road, I had to stop several times to enable the caribou to cross the road. Be sure to be extra vigilant when driving our highways. The caribou can take it in their mind to cross the road on a whim and like sheep, typically others follow.
Winter is truly a wonderland on the Great Northern Peninsula. We have incredible wildlife and immense beauty. Why not experience it for yourself?
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
Christopher, there were caribou on the island of Newfoundland during pre-contact times – long before Grenfell brought over the reindeer. However, it is nice to see that they are thriving today.
Thanks for your comments Dale. I did note in my post “Some of these animals (referring to Grenfell’s reindeer) carried a parasitic roundworm that spread to the native caribou herds.
You obviously didn’t read the article closely.