British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

What is the primary habitat preference for caribou?

1. Forests and swamps

2. Coastal islands

3. Mountainous areas

4. Open fields

The correct answer is: Mountainous areas

Caribou primarily prefer mountainous areas due to several factors that cater to their lifestyle and survival needs. These habitats provide them with access to a variety of vegetation, which is crucial for their diet, especially during the summer months when they graze on lush grasses and plants. The mountainous regions also tend to offer natural protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, as the terrain can create shelter and allow caribou to navigate away from threats effectively. Moreover, mountainous areas are often associated with migratory routes that caribou follow throughout the seasons, aligning with their natural instinct to find food and suitable breeding grounds. This preference is evident in their seasonal migrations, where they travel to specific high-altitude areas that can support their calving and survival needs. While other habitats, such as forests and swamps, coastal islands, and open fields, might be utilized by various wildlife species, they do not provide the same combination of foraging opportunities, predator avoidance, and migratory pathways that mountainous regions do for caribou. Thus, the choice of mountainous areas aligns perfectly with the ecological and biological needs of these animals.