20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Reindeer Herding on Nunivak Island

Since being introduced in 1920, reindeer have freely roamed Nunivak Island, where the lone native village of Mekoryuk (population 300) is situated. Several times every winter, herders on snowmachine scour the island to herd the reindeer into a corral for population management and butchering. Reindeer provide a valuable source of food and income for residents.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Mekoryuk, Alaska, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-7RM3
Copyright: © Kris Cheng
Awards
Photo of the Day: 03.03.23