{"id":13330,"date":"2023-11-12T17:49:06","date_gmt":"2023-11-12T17:49:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/?p=13330"},"modified":"2023-11-15T17:47:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T17:47:58","slug":"a-smack-of-what-fun-and-quirky-collective-nouns-of-canadian-species","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/a-smack-of-what-fun-and-quirky-collective-nouns-of-canadian-species\/","title":{"rendered":"A Smack of What?! Fun and quirky collective nouns of Canadian species"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have lots of different creatures in Canada from Polar Bears to bats to salamanders and everything in between.<\/h2>\n

While some are more solitary wanderers, many are seen repeatedly in groups and each group is called something unique, think a flock of geese, a herd of deer and a school of fish. Some of these collective nouns are quite creative! Let\u2019s explore some that you may or may not have heard of.<\/p>\n

An Army of Caterpillars<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The name has been attributed to caterpillars in general, but an \u201carmy\u201d of caterpillars was first attributed to tent caterpillars! Once they\u2019ve munched their way through one plant, they\u2019ll march in large groups to another plant \u2013 just like an army.<\/p>\n

A Cauldron of Bats<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

More than a symbol for Halloween, a cauldron of bats \u2013 or more often a colony \u2013 like to form in groups to socialize, communicate, and hunt for insects together. They also come together in groups to hibernate through the winter, offering each other body heat to stay warm.<\/p>\n

A Smack of Jellyfish<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Did you know that Canada has jellyfish? A group of jellyfish is called a smack because these creatures can smack you with their painful sting. You might stumble upon a smack of jellyfish as they forage for food or follow a current.<\/p>\n

A Prickle of Porcupines<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Has a there been a collective noun better suited for a species? We think not! With over 30,000 quills, a prickle is a pointed tip and accurately describes what you\u2019d feel if you ever encounter a defensive porcupine. It\u2019s rare to come across a prickle of porcupines though. They spend most of their time alone, but they will come together to hibernate. As many as 12 porcupines will overwinter in a den together.<\/p>\n

A Skulk of Foxes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

To \u201cskulk\u201d is to act cowardly or lurk in the shadows. It\u2019s no surprise that a formerly disreputable animal like a fox would be known collectively as a skulk of foxes. After all, foxes used to have a bad reputation for stealing chickens from farms under the cover of night. Today foxes are more usually appreciated by farmers for the vast numbers of crop-destroying small mammals and insects they can consume.<\/p>\n

A Business of Ferrets<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It is believed the name \u201cA Business of Ferrets\u201d came to be due to the nature of ferrets always being on the go. That\u2019s certainly true for Canada\u2019s native ferret \u2013 the Black-footed Ferret. Before they were extirpated in Canada, this small mammal was particularly busy at night as it entered burrow after burrow attacking their favourite prey of all \u2013 the Prairie Dog.<\/p>\n

A Murder of Crows<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

One of the most interesting origins of collective nouns goes to crows! Crows are known to put other birds in their place (even other crows!) when it comes to their territory. The collective noun \u2013 \u201cmurder\u201d – originates from folklore in which crows would hold trials, judge, and punish a fellow crow that had done something wrong!<\/p>\n

Learn more about our Canadian species at hww.ca<\/a><\/h4>\n
Listen to this story (and more) in the CWF podcast, \u201cYour Connection to Wildlife\u201d ><\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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