Arctic Wildlife - Arctic Studies Center

Muskox
Ovibos moschatus

Muskox are large animals that look a lot like bison, but have wool like sheep. Their long brown wool hangs almost to their feet! If you visit Alaska you will find woven musk ox wool scarves at many tourist shops. Most of the arctic tundra was host to the musk ox long ago. Neolithic hunters hunted them almost to extinction. Today they can be found in northern Canada roaming wild, and on farms in Unalakleet, Alaska where they are raised for wool.

Muskox roam wild in herds of 10-20 individuals. When they are threatened by a wolf their main predator (other than man) they will form a circle around their young to protect them. Muskox have been known to scoop up wolves with their horns, hurl them into the air and then stomp them under hoof. Although this may seem violent, muskox are mainly peaceful animals who eat only plants. Their name comes from the musky smell of their urine which is especially strong in mating season. Muskox usually bear one calf every two years.