Earlier this week we encountered a large group of javelinas on one of our local trails. They didn’t bother us; they were just nosing around, looking for food, and we looped around the group, giving them a wide berth before we returned to the trail. Yesterday I mentioned that close encounter with local wildlife to a friend at work, and it got us to wondering: what do you call a group of wild javelinas?
As we all know, humans have given different, often whimsical names to groups of different creatures. Multiple geese, for example, are called a “gaggle,” and for some reason a flock of crows is called a “murder.” A group of owls, evidently because they are wise-looking birds, is improbably called a “parliament.” Perhaps more fittingly, depending on your view of politics, a group of baboons is called a “congress.”
So, what could be the odd name for a herd of javelinas?
My work colleague thought that the group of javelinas, given their pig-like appearance, might be called a “sounder,” which is the name for a group of swine. He also noted that a group of feral pigs is called a “mob”– which incidentally is undoubtedly a heck of a lot more accurate than calling a flock of owls a “parliament.” But according to the National Park Service, javelinas typically stick together in packs of six to nine individuals called a “squadron.”
So, we’ve got an official squadron patrolling the area. That’s useful information to know.
Webner House 