The Rise and Fall of St. Matthew Reindeer

In August of 1944, 29 Nunivak Island reindeer were transported to St. Matthew Island via barge as a free-range food source for the Coast Guard officials that maintained the long-range navigation site (Loran) during World War II. At the peak, 6,000 reindeer roamed the island at a density of 47 animals per square mile. All reindeer have passed away from overpopulation and extreme winter weather events. The last female reindeer died in 1981. This view was observed while conducting McKay's Bunting and Rock Sandpiper distance-sampling surveys on St. Matthew Island.