This is the time of year when caribou start their migration down from the highland to coastal areas to take advantage of early growth as they prepare for calving in the coming weeks.
Gros Morne National Park is putting the warning out for drivers to be aware of migrating caribou in the park.
Parks Canada ecologist Darroch Whitaker says caribou like the sides of highways where they can eat grass and other early growth.
Over the years, there have been a number of vehicle-caribou collisions in Gros Morne. Whitaker says unlike moose, which tend to run into the woods, caribou can be very erratic.
“Caribou, they think a little differently,” says Whitaker. “Their way of thinking is that ‘I can run faster out here in the open.'” He says drivers are often surprised when caribou jump onto the road to outrun traffic. Parks Canada’s message to drivers this time of year in particular is; “when you see caribou or any wildlife, slow down and be prepared to stop.”