A massive shaggy bovid that survived the ice age. Long outer fur ("qiviut") over dense inner wool keeps them warm at -50°F. When threatened, herds form defensive rings with calves in the middle and horned adults facing outward.

Also called: Oomingmak (Inuktitut, "the bearded one"), Musk Ox

Native status: Native; recovered in Alaska from reintroduction

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft); shoulder height 1.2–1.5 m
WeightBulls 270–410 kg (600–900 lb); cows 180–270 kg
LifespanWild 12–20 years; oldest documented 24
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyBovidae

§ Encyclopedia

The muskox is a hoofed mammal of the family Bovidae. Native to the Arctic, it is noted for its thick coat and for the strong odor emitted by males during the seasonal rut, from which its name derives. This musky odor has the effect of attracting females during mating season. Its Inuktitut name umingmak translates to "the bearded one".

Source: Wikipedia — Muskox Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive shaggy bovid with long dark guard hairs and dense underfur (qiviut). Both sexes have curved horns; bulls' horns meet at the midline forming a broad "boss" across the forehead.

Similar species. Bison (no qiviut, different horn shape). No range overlap with bison.

Voice. Generally silent. Bulls roar during rut.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Arctic and tundra vegetation: grasses, sedges, willows, dwarf birch, lichens. In winter, digs through snow to reach forage.

Behavior. Survived the Pleistocene extinctions that wiped out most other Ice Age megafauna. Was extirpated from Alaska by 1920 (overhunting); reintroduced from Greenland populations in the 1930s. Forms tight defensive circles facing outward with calves in the center when threatened — extremely effective against wolves but useless against rifles.

§ Range

Northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska (reintroduced)

§ Habitat

Arctic tundra

§ Threats

Climate-driven freeze-thaw events, oil and gas development, brucellosis, wolves.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the muskox is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Arctic wilderness. Buy ethically sourced qiviut. Donate to muskox research.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Alaska Department of Fish and Game
  • Musk Ox Farm
  • Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center
  • IUCN Red List 2008