This photograph is of a Caribou Cow and a very young Calf, perhaps born only hours before, that was unable to keep up with a Caribou Herd that moved through the Aichilik River area.


The Cow was very patient and stayed near the Calf. The Calf laid down on a gravel bar and rested for about 15 minutes. The Cow would run ahead to the next gravel bar to try and coax the Calf to follow. The Cow would grunt to the Calf, and the Calf would respond back with a grunt. There was almost an hour of the Cow running back and forth to the the gravel bar where the Calf was, and then ahead to the next gravel bar. There was one short nursing during this time period and several other attempts by the Calf to nurse, which were rebuffed by the Cow. Finally the Calf began following the Cow and they crossed the final four river channels to get to the bank. They both ran off to find a new herd to join.


This whole mini drama was one of the highlights of our trip.