Caribous are very abundant in Alaska, Canada, as well as Arctic and Sub-Arctic Europe.

In Alaska and the Yukon, the Porcupine Caribou herd is approximately 130,000 strong. During their fall migration, they travel a thousand miles from their calving grounds on the North Slopes of Alaska to their winter range in Northwest Canada.

Contrary to common belief, both male and female caribous have antlers.

Every year, Caribous grow a new set of antlers. During the growth period in the Spring, the antlers are covered in velvet, and can grow up to one inch per day.

The antlers on this young buck are taking shape nicely (pictures taken in the Spring). They will continue to grow throughout the summer.

Covered in furry skin, the antlers will remain relatively soft until they are fully developed and hardened in the fall. During the growth period, the antlers are vulnerable to damage. An accidental breakage will severely impact a buck's chances to successully mate in the fall.

Males usually begin to grow their antlers earlier in the year than females.

In early Fall, Caribous proudly display their fully developed set of antlers, and are ready for the rutting season.

The colorful tundra provides an excellent backdrop for their upcoming romantic adventures.

The warm Fall colors of the Alaskan tundra fade as the cold Winter grips the landscape... The thick carpet of snow is a stark reminder of the severe wintery conditions ahead.

When the rutting season is over, male Caribous will usually begin to shed their antlers. However, females and some younger males may keep their antlers through the winter, and grow new ones the following spring.

In Alaska, Caribous can often be seen in Denali Park or along the Highways.

Watch for Caribous on the side of the road.

Caribous often gather in herds. A few small groups are seen here in various locations in interior Alaska.