Recovered Montana Caribou Released Back into the Wilds of British Columbia
OutdoorHub 05.01.12
According to British Columbia wildlife officials, the caribou that was rescued in Montana last week has apparently recovered and was released this past weekend.
The caribou was rescued in upper Pinkham Creek by FWP biologists after having succumbed to apparent tick paralysis. The caribou was transferred to British Columbia wildlife staff for holding until she recovered. This past weekend, she was able to stand on her own and walk and appeared healthy. There was a good weather window so the decision was made to fly the caribou back up into the Purcell Mountain high country.
“They were able to release her on a ridge just above 10 resident caribou” said Jim Williams, R-1 Wildlife Program Manager. “When they lifted off she was observed walking in their direction.”
Wildlife managers are hoping the caribou will survive and add to the gene pool of the resident caribou in the Cranbrook, B.C. area.
Follow the caribou’s progress and find other current information on wildlife on FWP’s new Region 1 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MontanaFWP.R1