Low-Level Aircraft Surveys to Monitor Caribou in Central and Eastern Newfoundland

Wildlife officials with the provincial Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands will be conducting caribou surveys in parts of central and eastern Newfoundland over the coming weeks.

The surveys will involve the use of low-level flying aircraft in several areas, including the Cape Shore, the southeast Avalon Peninsula with a focus on the Avalon Wilderness Reserve, the Burin Peninsula and the Gander region.

As part of the monitoring program, some caribou will be temporarily marked with red, orange or blue paint to help officials track and identify animals during the surveys. The department says the paint does not harm the animals and will remain visible throughout the winter before naturally shedding with their winter coats in the spring.

The surveys are part of ongoing efforts to monitor caribou populations and support wildlife management and conservation initiatives across the province.