Distribution and Abundance of Muskoxen North of Great Bear Lake

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Authors: Kelsall, John P., Hawley, Vernon D., Thomas, Donald C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1971
• Subjects: Art; Biographies; History; Inuit; Starvation; Baker Lake region; Nunavut; Garry Lake region; Garry; Great Bear Lake; Arctic; Baker Lake; inuit
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/66181

Heavy exploitation until about 1910-11, so drastically reduced muskoxen populations that they were thought to be extinct, or nearly so, north of Great Bear Lake. Following a few earlier sightings, they have been seen with increasing frequency since 1953. They now occupy, with one major exception, the areas where they were known to have been plentiful, and their population is estimated to be at least 425 animals. Distribution et abondance du bœuf musqué au nord du Grand lac de l’Ours. Jusque vers 1910-11, la chasse excessive du bœuf musqué avait tellement réduit les populations de cet animal au nord du Grand lac de l’Ours, qu’on les croyait éteintes ou presque. Depuis 1953 et à la suite de quelques observations plus anciennes, on a aperçu ces groupes avec une fréquence croissante, si bien qu’ils occupent maintenant, à une exception près, toutes les aires où ils furent jadis nombreux. Leur population est estimée à au moins 425 têtes.