by Klondike Kid
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by Klondike Kid |
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The Kenai Peninsula Caribou Herds
In early spring most of the Kenai herd is scattered as they give birth to this year's calves. Since the Kenai herd is protected from all hunting, they have adjusted quite well to living on the edge of civilization. Driving the Marathon Road system will usually provide an opportunity to see small groups out on the tundra. Take your binoculars and telephoto lens in the early season as the animals may not frequent too near the road until the calves are a bit older. Most of the animals stay in the Marathon Road area throughout the summer but they are true nomads and wander over a very large range. It is not uncommon to see a few individuals on the Kenai Flats on the K Beach Road side of the river.
If you are a backpacker or hiker, one of the other two remote herds is accessable for viewing. The Resurrection Pass Trail is a 38.6 mile long hiking trail between the old gold rush town of Hope and Mile Post 53 of the Seward Highway. A larger herd of caribou roam this mountain pass system but due to the summer foliage, it may be difficult to spot them unless they are above the treeline feeding. Brown and black bear and moose also inhabit this drainage and since it is true Alaska wilderness, the chances of seeing plenty of wildlife are in your favor if you stay relatively quiet.
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Yes we have caribou, and you don't have to go all the way to the Arctic Circle to view them. Actually there are three different herds located on the Kenai Peninsula but two are in remote locations. Fortunately the one group that is accessible is quite photogenic and doesn't mind vehicles stopping along the road system to watch and photograph them. Since they are members of the deer family, you will find the bulls still growing their horns until late August when they finally shed their velvet and display their often magnificent "racks." So late summer viewing will afford the photographer the best opportunity to get some really impressive photos.
August and September is usually the best time to see the big bulls with their impressive antlers. They can often be spotted down at the Kenai Flats wetlands where they congregate and feed prior to moving back into the Swanson River area for the winter. The Bridge Access Road connects Kalifonski Beach Road to the Spur Highway and crosses the Kenai River and the flats. Look on either side of the road on the K-Beach side of the river. This is the most frequented area for them that is easily accessible at this time of year. It is not unusual to see them walk down the bank and swim to the other side of the river. If you see a group heading towards the riverbank, have patience and keep your camera at the ready. Even the size of the river at this point is no obstacle to them or their young ones if they are inclined to visit the other side.