Coppermine (Jan 31/05) - Thousands of caribou have been running, mating and feeding in and around Kugluktuk since November.

Residents are not complaining, said Ron Tologanak. "We're thankful for the meat!" he said.

However, the caribou have been creating real problems at the airport.

They have been running around on the tarmac giving airport maintenance person John Tanuyuk a few headaches, hamlet officials said. Many vehicles driving near the airport even have to stop to let the caribou pass by, said Tologanak.

Hunters and trappers are praising the abundance of caribou, as well as the increased presence of wolves and foxes.

However, a community-wide notice has been issued regarding harvesting caribou.

You cannot shoot any caribou within five kilometres of town for safety reasons, Tologanak said.

With the ever-present caribou all around since November, Tologanak said he has heard many stories from elders about why this is happening.

"It's the changing migration patterns. At least that's what some of the elders are saying," said Tologanak.

"It could be a natural cycle, too. I'm not sure."

Community members are sure it is the Bathurst caribou herd that is running around. Tologanak is also sure that the change in migration is not due to lack of ice formation, because the water in the area is frozen solid.

Some elders have remarked that the caribou are a blessing from "special people who have passed away," said Tologanak.

"There are all kinds of stories you hear from the elders about why the caribou are here," said Tologanak.

"(The caribou) have been close before, too. In the 1980s, the elders said they saw a similar thing. It may be a change in migration. It might be a cycle," he said.