Snowmobilers taunting caribou herd, wildlife officers say

Wildlife officers on Newfoundland's west coast are investigating complaints that snowmobilers have been chasing, circling and harassing a small caribou herd near Stephenville.  

After receiving several calls from witnesses who said they saw the animals — a herd of approximately 20 to 30 — being disturbed between Black Duck Siding and Stephenville Crossing, wildlife officer Travis Clannon said officials began investigating. 

"These are individuals who are driving up too close to these caribou," Clannon told The Corner Brook Morning Show.

It's probably going to result in injury that they might succumb to later on- Wildlife Officer Travis Clannon

"They are circling the animals, chasing after them or running them off snowmobile trails in some instances."

Clannon is urging snowmobilers to use discretion when driving past the caribou, and warns that intimidating them can be deadly.  

"The deep snow is hard enough for the animals to walk in, let alone trying to run after being chased," he said.

"You can almost guarantee that if you're forcing them to run under those conditions, that it's probably going to result in injury that they might succumb to later on."

Fines start at $1,000

Clannon said the same rules apply to other wildlife, such as moose and coyote.

"We are very fortunate to live in a province where we can see these on any given day — try and be a bit respectful to them."

Fish and wildlife officers have stepped up patrols in the areas where the snowmobilers were seen intimidating the herd.

So far, no charges have been laid.

The fine for interfering with wildlife runs between $1,000 and $5,000.