Does the word “caribou” mean something in particular?
The word “caribou” is believed to come from a Micmac Indian word, “xalibou,” which means one that paws, or shovels. That’s a reference to the caribou’s wide concave hooves. They work like snowshoes, keeping the animals from sinking into deep snow. They’re also ideal for scooping out snow so that caribou can find their food. Dene Indians call caribou “etthn” and Inuit call the animal “tuktu.
The word “caribou” is believed to come from a Micmac Indian word, “xalibou,” which means one that paws, or shovels. That’s a reference to the caribou’s wide concave hooves. They work like snowshoes, keeping the animals from sinking into deep snow. They’re also ideal for scooping out snow so that caribou can find their food.
