Muskoxen

(Ovibos moschatus)

They are herding animals that have long, dense, dark brown shaggy hair hanging nearly to their feet. An average adult bull stands 3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 m) at the shoulders, are 6 ¼ -8 feet (1.94-2.46 m) in length, and weigh 579-900 pounds (263-405 kg). Females are considerably smaller. Males and females have large horns which curve down close to the sides of the head with sharp, upturned tips. Bulls emit an especially strong scent of musk; hence the name.

Muskox form herds of 3 - 100, but tend to stay in one area. When predators threaten, adults form a ring with the young inside. Occasionally, a bull will leave the ring to attack. Their sight and hearing is good, and when necessary can run rapidly. They feed on sedges, grasses, and willows. In winter, they mainly eat woody plants.

During the late 1800's, muskox disappeared from northern Alaska. Hunting by humans contributed to their decline. They were reintroduced to Alaska in 1930, and during 1970 and 1981, 71 animals were transplanted to the Seward Peninsula. A 1992 aerial survey found 706 muskox on the Seward Peninsula.

More information on musk ox.