Reindeer Tragedy: Ice Collapses, Hundreds Die
A trek across a frozen lake proved to be a deadly journey for hundreds of reindeer last week. Sami herders in Sweden were leading 3,000 reindeer to “greener pastures” across a frequently-traveled route during their annual migration to their winter grazing grounds when tragedy struck.
- » See also: On the Brink of Extinction: Call to Close Cruel and Inhumane Tiger Farms
- » Get EcoLocalizer by RSS or sign up by email.
As the animals were being moved across the frozen Kutjaure Lake, some of the reindeer in the front of the pack apparently panicked and suddenly circled back, adding additional pressure on the ice. The river’s surface ice cracked and collapsed, and many of the reindeer fell into the frigid water. While some reindeer scrambled to safety, others were trampled to death as they tried to climb out of the water. It is estimated nearly 400 reindeer perished.
While some carcasses line the shore, herders, with the help of several helicopters, continue to drag dead reindeer from the lake. The tragic incident is not only a tragedy for the animals that died, but the economic loss is expected to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. A photo of the incident can be viewed on The Sun.
Reindeer photo Grand-Duc
Really tragic. No doubt the ice is much thinner and more likely to crack than previously, due to climate change.