Herding Animals

A herd is a large group of animals that live and move together. Many plant-eating animals form herds. Being in a big group helps keep them safe from predators. Herds can have just a few animals or thousands.

Safety in Numbers

Predators have a harder time catching prey in a large herd. With many eyes watching, danger is spotted quickly. Some herd animals form a circle with the young in the middle when threatened. Musk oxen do this to protect their calves.

Famous Herding Animals

Wildebeests form some of the biggest herds in Africa. Caribou travel in huge herds across the Arctic. Bison once roamed in herds of millions across North America. Elephants live in family herds led by the oldest female.

Fun Facts

• The great wildebeest migration includes about 1.5 million animals.
• A group of fish is called a school, and it works like an underwater herd.
• Elephants in a herd will help a sick or injured member.

Did You Know?

Caribou herds in the Arctic can have over 500,000 members! They travel together over 3,000 miles each year looking for food.