Lack of reproduction in muskoxen and arctic hares caused by early winter?

A lack of young muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and arctic hares (Lepus arcticu s) in the Eureka area of Ellesmere Island, Northwest Territories (now Nunav ut), Canada, was observed during summer 1998, in contrast to most other yea rs since 1986. Evidence of malnourished muskoxen was also found. Early wint er weather and a consequent 50% reduction of the 1997 summer replenishment period appeared to be the most likely cause, giving rise to a new hypothesi s about conditions that might cause adverse demographic effects in arctic h erbivores.