Rangifer tarandus
Tundra and boreal forest across northern Canada and Alaska. A few mountain herds reach the northwestern U.S. Very large spreading tracks, often 4 to 5 inches, with a wide splay.
What does a caribou look like?
Brown and white, large feet, antlers that are flatter than elk. Both sexes may carry antlers.
What do caribou tracks look like?
The broadest deer-family hoof. In snow the dewclaws turn the print into a near circle. A herd trail is obvious.
- Very large spreading tracks, often 4 to 5 inches, with a wide splay
- Dewclaws almost always print, making a big round print in snow
- Crescent-shaped hoof
- Trail in deep snow is a packed trench when a herd passes
- Antlers on many females as well as males
What does caribou poop look like?
Pellet piles like other deer, often at treeline and on tundra. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Tundra and boreal forest across northern Canada and Alaska. A few mountain herds reach the northwestern U.S. Typical places: field, woods. Year-round where the species lives. Tracks show best in mud, sand, and snow.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not handle droppings
- If the animal is injured or inside a building, call a local wildlife officer
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Moose identification
- Elk identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
A very wide splayed hoof, often with dewclaws, looking almost round in snow.
How to tell a caribou from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Moose. The largest heart-shaped hoof in North America. Dark brown, very tall, with a hump and a long nose.
- Elk. A heavy, rounded heart print. Tall tan body, dark neck on bulls, pale rump.
Caribou field marks
- Very large spreading tracks, often 4 to 5 inches, with a wide splay
- Dewclaws almost always print, making a big round print in snow
- Crescent-shaped hoof
- Trail in deep snow is a packed trench when a herd passes
Where the sign shows up
Tundra and boreal forest across northern Canada and Alaska. A few mountain herds reach the northwestern U.S. Typical places: field, woods. Year-round where the species lives. Tracks show best in mud, sand, and snow.
The broadest deer-family hoof. In snow the dewclaws turn the print into a near circle. A herd trail is obvious. Pellet piles like other deer, often at treeline and on tundra.
Common questions
What do caribou tracks look like?
A very wide splayed hoof, often with dewclaws, looking almost round in snow.