Musk Ox
Ovibos moschatus
- Where
- Arctic tundra & northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland
- Habitat
- Treeless Arctic plains with rocky outcroppings
- Diet
- Lichens, mosses, grasses, and shrubs
- Size
- 4-6 feet tall at shoulder (1.2-1.8 meters)
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild
- Conservation
- Vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and hunting pressures
Fun Facts
- Muskoxen have two layers of fur: a thick undercoat called qiviut and a longer guard hair layer.
- Qiviut is so warm that it can keep humans alive in -40°C temperatures.
- They form tight defensive circles when threatened, with the young in the center.
Learn More
Muskoxen have curved horns that grow up to 3 feet long.
Their distinctive black and white coloring helps them blend into Arctic landscapes.
Adults weigh around 400-500 pounds (180-230 kg).