The U.S. natural gas rig count climbed two units to 83 for the holiday-shortened week ending Wednesday (Dec. 23), while Canada saw a notable drop-off in activity ahead of the Christmas holiday, according to the latest figures from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

After some shuffling around in the major U.S. onshore plays, the overall domestic rig count added two units to finish at 348, including an increase of one oil-directed unit, offset by the loss of one miscellaneous unit. 

The combined U.S. tally finished the week more than 450 units below the 805 rigs active at this time last year, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus. 

Land drilling increased by one rig, while one rig returned to action in the Gulf of Mexico during the week. One...