Reindeer Ferry Warming Up in Norway

Philip Burgess — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:18:48 +0000

In northern Norway, summer pastures for reindeer are often located on the coastal islands of Finnmark and Troms counties. Traditionally, reindeer swim across from the mainland to the islands but with increasing pasture losses and migratory route fragmentation, since the early 1970s, many herders use a reindeer ‘ferry’ to transport reindeer over distances that have now become too far to swim (reindeer are exellent swimmers).

Reindeer ferry season is about to begin this year on April 20th from Balnes in Balsfjord and some 15,000 reindeer from 20 reindeer herding districts will make the ferry ride by May 9th. National Geographic featured a short article on this unusual form of transport in collaboration with the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry which you can read here.

Source: LMD

Norwegian Reindeer Husbandry Administration Advises Caution

Philip Burgess — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:23:17 +0000

The Norwegian Reindeer Husbandry Administration is advising people in the northern Troms and Nordland areas to be particularly aware of reindeer this spring due to difficult grazing and operating conditions. Easter is a hugely popular holiday period for Norwegians and people are on the move and outdoors. Reindeer in northern Troms and Nordland have had difficult weather conditions this winter resulting in very poor grazing conditions with deep snow in the forest and lowlands, and a lot of crust and icing in the mountains. They advise that it is important to avoid unrest and disturbances that add additional stress to the reindeer. Especially now as reindeer are heading towards spring and the calving period in May, meaning it is important that reindeer get rest and take care of their last reserves to ensure survival for both adult animals and calves.

The Press release continues that traffic such as snowmobiling which can be illegal and dogs that are not under control in the grazing areas can cause a lot of problems for the industry, which are exacerbated after difficult winter conditions. By law, dogs are supposed to be on a lead between April 1-August 20 when near reindeer grazing areas.

More information here at the Norwegian Reindeer Husbandry Administration.

Reindeer Blog » Troms

Reindeer Ferry Warming Up in Norway

Norwegian Reindeer Husbandry Administration Advises Caution