Musk-Ox

[edit] Guide Note

The musk-ox is a mammal in the Bovidae family. It's scientific name is Ovibos Moschatus, meaning "musky sheep ox".¹ The musk-ox is seen in Canada, Greenland and Alaska, where it was reintroduced in the 1930's.²

[edit] Fast Facts

1. Habitat: River valleys, lakeshores, hilltops, slopes, plateaus³
2. Diet: Herbivorous⁴
3. Size: 4 to 5 feet⁴
4. Weight: 500 to 800 lbs⁴
5. Age at sexual maturity: 1.5 to 4 years (female), 2 to 4 years (male)²
6. Gestation period: 7.5 to 8.5 months²
7. Number of offspring: 1 to 2²
8. Life span: 14 years (average)²
9. Group name: Herd⁴
10. Predators: Polar bear, Arctic wolf⁵

The musk-ox has short legs and a barrel shaped body. Males are larger than females and have more thickness at the base of its horn for added protection when head butting other males.² A musk-ox is well adapted to its cold climate. It has long shaggy outer coat of hair and shorter undercoat for insulation.⁴ The musk-ox has cream colored horns with black tips, which continue to grow throughout its entire life.²

The musk-ox forms in herds of up to 75 members in the winter. During mating season, the number of members is reduced to about 5 to 15 females and young, with one dominant male.⁶ Groups will gather in a circle surrounding calves, protecting them in times of danger.³ Bulls will frequently battle, charging each other from distances up to 150 feet. They head butt, producing noise loud enough to be heard up to a mile away. The head butting continues until one of the bulls retreats.⁶