Champ Migrating Mammal

Q: What land mammal migrates the farthest?

A: Probably the caribou. Some herds travel 3,000 miles (5,000 km) in a year. In the spring, cows leave forests heading north to the Arctic shore to give birth. The bulls follow, feeding on snow covered tundra. In fall, they head back to the forest again. When spring comes late, cows drop their calves on the way. The calves can run within hours of being born and keep up with the herd within a day or so. Usually, though, the herd remains at the birthing spot for a couple of weeks.

Further Surfing:

US Fish & Wildlife Service: Caribou

(Answered Nov. 1, 2002; updated Oct. 10, 2007)