At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), our mission is to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. Today, we’re focusing on our second pillar—education—to share the often humorous names for groups of animals.

Follow along to learn the group names for your favorite animals here at AWCC. 

Bears: Sleuth

Who would we be if we didn’t start with the bears? Bears are typically solitary animals, but they do come together under certain circumstances, such as when food is abundant, like in berry patches or rivers lush with fish. They may also gather to mate or when a mother bear stays close to raise her cubs. When bears do form a group, whether brown or black, they are known as a sleuth. At AWCC, we have six bears—three brown bears, Joe Boxer (JB), Patron, and Hugo, and three black bears, Kobuk, Uli, and Kuma. When these bears are together, they form a sleuth of bears!

Porcupines: Prickle

Next up, let’s talk about a smaller, pricklier creature: the porcupine! Like bears, porcupines are mostly solitary animals but will gather in certain situations, such as during the winter to den, during mating season, or when a mother is raising her young porcupette. When porcupines do come together, they form a group known as a prickle—a name that’s quite fitting given their most notable feature: their sharp quills. At AWCC, we have three porcupines: Baby Ruth, Heath, and Twix. They make an excellent prickle.

Lynx: Chain 

Another solitary animal, the lynx. Lynx tend to keep a low profile, so it’s pretty rare to see one in the wild, much less in a group! Just in case though, we want to make sure your wildlife vocabulary is well equipped to handle the situation. A group of lynx is called a chain! When lynx are seen moving together, which is most common during mating season when males are following around females, they form what looks like a connected line, or a chain! Our chain is made up of two lynx, Calvin and Chena. 

Foxes: Skulk

Oh boy, do we have a skulk for you. Jade, Storm, and Warren are our three red foxes, though Storm is also considered a marble fox due to her coat color that was a result of illegal breeding. Together, these foxes come together to form a skulk. The word skulk comes from a Scandinavian word which implies stealthy and secretive movement—an apt description for these animals. If you’ve ever seen a fox in the wild, you’ll know that they tend to move cautiously, lurking around and are always aware of their surroundings.

Owls: Parliament

We can’t forget about the birds! We only have one owl at AWCC—Snappy—so the term we’re about to share doesn’t usually apply to him (unless his girlfriend comes to visit). However, the backstory is too cool not to mention. A group of owls is called a parliament. This name stems from ancient Greek belief, which saw owls as symbols of wisdom. It reflects the idea that wise individuals would gather to form a parliament. Owls were also closely associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and reason.

Bald Eagle: Convocation

Bald eagles are typically solitary creatures, but they come together in groups, known as convocations, for specific reasons. One primary occasion for these gatherings is during the winter, when eagles form communal roosts. These roosts provide protection from storms and serve as sheltered spots for overnight perching. Another reason bald eagles unite is for breeding and nesting. During the breeding season, they pair up to establish territories, often near abundant food sources, where they build large nests. These social behaviors highlight the eagles’ adaptability, allowing them to thrive in both solitary and communal settings, depending on the season and their needs.

Wolves/Coyotes: Pack

Coyotes and wolves are both known for their strong social structure, often forming cohesive packs. These packs are essential for their survival, as they allow these species to hunt more effectively, protect their territories, and care for their young. Wolves, in particular, rely on the strength of their pack to hunt large prey, with each member playing a specific role in the hunt. The pack structure is also crucial for maintaining order and ensuring the survival of the group, with an alpha pair typically leading and making decisions for the entire pack. Similarly, coyotes may form packs, especially in regions where food is scarce, but they can also be seen hunting alone or in smaller family groups. In both species, the pack offers social bonds that promote cooperation, survival, and successful reproduction. We have four wolves here: Lothario, Deshka, Dirus and Bri, and two coyotes: Togiak and Aurora. 

Hoof Stock (Wood Bison/Muskox/Sitka Black-Tailed Deer/Elk/Caribou/Reindeer): Herd

Wood bison, muskoxen, Sitka black-tailed deer, elk, caribou, and reindeer are all species that thrive in herds, relying on the strength of social groups for survival. Herds provide protection from predators, increase foraging efficiency, and facilitate successful migration and breeding. For example, wood bison form large herds, especially during the winter months, to stay safe from predators and share grazing areas. Muskoxen, with their tightly knit groups, use their collective strength to fend off threats, often forming a defensive circle around the young or vulnerable members. In all of these species, the herd structure ensures greater survival rates, cooperation, and resilience in challenging environments.

 

 

Discover the WILD of Alaska and come meet the locals! Walk on the Wild Side Tours are available year-round and include an animal encounter. Summer Moose Encounters (feed a moose!) & Summer Bear Encounters (feed a brown bear!) are available. Book early to ensure your spot!