The decreased number of South Purcell Mountain Caribou is a wake-up call to what’s happening to wildlife in our region.
That from Wildsight’s John Bergenske. The most recent census shows the Purcell herd is down to three females and one male compared to sixteen when the last count was done. Bergenske says a full recovery program needs to be put into place.
The cause of the drastic loss of both Purcell and South Selkirk Caribou isn’t clear but Bergenske says it’s likely several factors.
He says the situation is dire but they have to remain hopeful.
He adds the caribou are intensely dependent on the old growth forest which has been diminished not only from forestry but recreational uses as well.