Western Arctic Caribou Herd

For families across the region, caribou are a central food source. Dozens of communities depend on the herd, which ranges over an area about the size of California. The herd was last counted in 2025 at about 121,000 animals, the lowest number in nearly 50 years.

The latest estimate for the Western Arctic Caribou Herd is 121,000, a steep drop from 2023. The last time the herd’s numbers were this low, Jimmy Carter was president — almost 50 years ago.

Some caribou bounced away from roads, moved back and forth without crossing, or traced along the roads. On average, the study found caribou that came in contact with roads were delayed nine days from their normal migrations.

Local and regional advisory councils, along with the Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group, submitted multiple proposals recommending the board dramatically reduce the harvest. Right now, residents can harvest five caribou per day. The proposals encouraged cutting that to four caribou per year, one of which can be a cow.

The emergency orders would have cut the limit down to four caribou per year. Only one of the four could be a cow.