The sight of a Caribou trotting, head held high with the nose up and the tail erect, is a glorious sight. When galloping at top speed most Caribou can outrun wolves, their major predator. Barrenground Caribou have the largest antlers in relation to their body size of any deer species, and are the only species in which females grow antlers.
Caribou adapt to many different habitat and conditions.
The factors influencing specific habitat selection by caribou are complex and not well understood. It appears to relate to an array of factors including availability of food, relief from insects, ease of travel, and intensity of predation. Four major mainland herds of Barrenground Caribou have been identified, defined and named after the location of their calving grounds. This herd is the largest and most important herd in the Northwest Territories. In March and April, Barrenground Caribou begin to move in a great northward migration.