Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The caribou herd in the Gaspé Peninsula has grown by eight animals over the past year, according to data from the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. 

This brings the total number of caribou to 30, including both wild and captive animals. The ministry conducted an aerial survey on October 4 over the usual inventory zones, which include the bare summits of the Albert, McGerrigle and Logan mountains. These areas cover 250 kilometres across the Parc de la Gaspésie, as well as the Chic-Chocs and Matane wildlife reserves. 

A total of 11 caribou were observed during the survey: five males, five females and one calf. 

On Mount Jacques-Cartier, a calf, four female and three male caribou were spotted. One male caribou was observed on Mount Albert, and one female caribou was spotted by telemetry south of Mount Logan and south of Mount Saint-Pierre. Additionally, another male caribou was spotted by telemetry. 

In comparison, 22 caribou were confirmed during the aerial inventory in the fall of 2023. Thirteen of those animals were captured and placed in a captive holding facility in the winter of 2024. 

Following the births that occurred during the summer, 19 caribou are now in a captive holding facility, including 10 female caribou, three male caribou and six calves. This brings the population to a minimum of 30 caribou. 

The department encourages citizens to share their caribou sightings. These observations provide valuable data on the caribou’s movements, habitats, behaviour and health status.