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• The musk-ox is a mammal in the Bovidae family. It's scientific name is Ovibos moschatus, meaning "musky sheep ox".BBC: Wildfacts - Musk-Ox The musk-ox is found in Canada and Greenland, as well as in Alaska, where it was reintroduced in the 1930's.Animal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox

• Fast Facts

  1. Habitat: River valleys, lake shores, hilltops, slopes, plateausSeaWorld.org: Musk-Ox
  2. Diet: HerbivorousNational Geographic: Musk-Ox
  3. Size: 4 to 5 feetNational Geographic: Musk-Ox
  4. Weight: 500 to 800 lbsNational Geographic: Musk-Ox
  5. Age at sexual maturity: 1.5 to 4 years (female), 2 to 4 years (male)Animal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox
  6. Gestation period: 7.5 to 8.5 monthsAnimal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox
  7. Number of offspring: 1 to 2 per litterAnimal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox
  8. Life span: 14 years (average)Animal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox
  9. Group name: HerdNational Geographic: Musk-Ox
  10. Predators: Polar bear, Arctic wolfBlue Planet Biomes: Musk-Ox

• Physical Characteristics

  The musk-ox has short legs and a barrel shaped body. Males are larger than females.Animal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox A musk-ox is well adapted to its cold climate. It has long shaggy outer coat of hair and shorter undercoat for insulation.National Geographic: Musk-Ox The musk-ox has cream colored horns with black tips, which continue to grow throughout its entire life.Animal Diversity Web: Musk-Ox

• Behavior

  The musk-ox forms herds of up to 75 members in the winter. During mating season, the size of the herd is reduced to about 5 to 15 females and their young, accompanied by one dominant male.Alaska Department Of Fish & Game: Musk-Ox The herd will gather in a circle, surrounding its calves, to protect them in times of danger.SeaWorld.org: Animal Bytes - Musk-Ox

  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.Alaska Department Of Fish & Game: Musk-Ox

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