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To: SmithL

I heard that the Carribou heards in Prudeau bay have gone from a few thousand to over 35000. They want to be warm also.


3 posted on 03/23/2005 7:54:07 AM PST by Holicheese (This is Hockey East)
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To: Holicheese

Considering the ice age killed their ancestors, warmth might be a priority for them.


12 posted on 03/23/2005 7:56:56 AM PST by marty60
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To: Holicheese
I was inspecting the DEW Line in 1969. As I remember, the caribou herds numbered more than 30,000 then. I can attest to this. I was at the DEW Line site just east of Prudeau Bay and watched the herd migrating from the Brooks Range onto the ANWR. The herd was a river of animals and the movement went on for several days. From the dining room window I watched for hours on end as the herd crossed a river. The wolf packs were following the herd and when a calf or old caribou wandered away from the herd the wolves would surround and bring down their breakfast!!!

Today because of the TransAlaskan Pipeline the herds have increased in size to over 100,000. Why? The oil extracted at Prudeau bay is heated by volcanic activitiy below the oil deposits. It comes out of the ground at over 300F. This is why the oil pipeline was not buried since it would have damaged the permafrost. The elevated pipeline, about 10-12 feet above the ground radiates heat and the caribou have learned to stay warm in the winter by gathering under the pipeline. Results? Lower calf mortality and longer life spans for the "old folks". Digging in the ANWR is a win-win!

42 posted on 03/23/2005 8:25:17 AM PST by Young Werther
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To: Holicheese

True. From around 3600 to 35,000+

I'll see if I can find the source.


55 posted on 03/23/2005 8:52:16 AM PST by eyespysomething (It starts off as a drum circle, next thing you know you've got a college.)
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