The woodland caribou is a relative of the better-known barren ground caribou of the Arctic Tundra or the reindeer of Europe. Our woodland caribou live on and forage on arboreal lichen, which grows on trees. They are unique in the deer family in several ways.

They have large hooves that are adapted for traveling on deep snow, which is common in the high Selkirks of north Idaho. The only location in the continental United States where caribou are still found is the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho and northern Washington.

Approximately 35 caribou still inhabit the Selkirk Mountains, which include Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Southern British Columbia. Several federal and state agencies, including the USDA Forest Service are working to recover this unique component of our country's heritage. Recovery of caribou is also accomplished with cooperation from British Columbia, which recently listed the caribou as a federally threatened species.

Each winter hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts snowmobile in the beautiful high country of the Selkirk Mountains.

Most of the time, the paths of caribou and snowmobilers never cross because most snowmobilers choose open expanses with little or no trees. Caribou favor more heavily timbered habitats and primarily use open expanses to move between better quality habitats.

However, when there is an interaction between snowmobile activities and caribou, caribou will react to avoid close contact. This added stress and energy expenditure can increase the risk of winter survival, especially for caribou in poor physical condition or during particularly harsh winters. If caribou or caribou tracks are encountered during winter, please leave the area. In no event should a winter recreationist approach caribou.

In 1995, a small area of the Selkirk Crest was closed to snowmobile use to protect the woodland caribou and important habitats from disturbance (36CFR.261.53(A)). This area is in some of the most rugged peaks of the Selkirks, from Myrtle Peak in the north to Mt. Roothan in the south. The closed area is about 29 square miles.

The signs displayed here are samples of those posted at the approach to and along the boundary of the closure area. We need your help in maintaining the closure for caribou. If you notice any violations, please notify the US Forest Service, Idaho Fish and Game, or your County Sheriff.

Please read our Situation Summary and Management Strategy for Mountain Caribou (pdf - 2.0mb). This document provides an excellent overview of our caribou population and its' needs, the potential impacts of backcountry recreation on caribou, and the strategy the IPNF is taking to minimize these impacts.

More information can be obtained from any Ranger District on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, or you may request a travel plan map for greater detail.



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Last updated: 02/25/05