Hence, the trends in caribou numbers in the eastern and western ranges between 1995 and 1997 were the reverse of the trends between 1992 and 1995. In addition, a census in the year 2000 showed the herd increased to 27,128. This provides strong evidence that the oil fields did not cause the decline in caribou numbers between 1992 - 1995. It seems clear that the numbers of caribou in the eastern and western summer ranges of the herd fluctuate for reasons other than impacts from the oil fields. As suggested previously in the 1997 Journal of Wildlife Research paper, movement of animals between the eastern and western ranges is a plausible explanation for the changes in numbers in the eastern and western summer ranges.
Caribou are highly mobile and regularly make major changes in spatial distribution.
Senator Murkowski's 1995 explanation for the decline in the herd was supported by the 1997 census, but no one noticed or reported it. These positive results are being ignored by the media and the potential for exploration in ANWR and NPRA affected. The public deserves to know the entire story. The above description of the caribou numbers and the lack of reporting of positive results by the media are paralleled in the scientific literature. The experience in the Prudhoe Bay oil fields is actually one of great success in wildlife management.