Bulls (Hard Antlered), Nelchina Herd, Barren Ground Caribou
Alaska has one species of Caribou, the Barren Ground Caribou. There are 32 distinct herds in Alaska. These bulls are part of the Nelchina herd, the herd found along the Denali Highway. In order to get a good photo of a bull Caribou one needs to be afield in the breeding season. That is when the bulls are in their "breeding colors", and the fall foliage is at it's best. All one needs do then to collect photographs is locate some bulls, then keep up with them! Bull Caribou do not defend a harem as many of the deer species do, they defend a breeding space around themselves. In short, they move with the cows, which are always moving. You better have your track shoes on to photograph bull Caribou!
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Mature bulls, of not only Caribou but also Elk and Moose, oftentimes spend the summer in small bachelor groups. These groups use numbers for safety (the more noses and eyes the better). However, once the actual rut starts though, it's every bull for himself. Literally!
CaribouBull CaribouDenali Old TownValdez CreekValdez Creek Mine RoadDenali HighwayAlaskaBarrenground CaribouRangifer tarandus grantiMammalFall FoliageNelchina HerdBullClearwater Mountains
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