Summary Muskox distribution and relative numbers of muskoxen in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve were documented over a 4-year period from observations reported by park visitors, and winter and summer aerial surveys (Table 1). The maximum number of muskoxen observed during any single survey was 7 during the winter of 2001. The frequency of muskox observations has increased since the initial sighting in 1989. Muskoxen are most commonly seen, both as incidental observations and during aerial surveys, in the Noatak River drainage. Observations of muskoxen in other locations however, suggest that muskoxen are becoming established in other areas of the park. The sighting of an adult female in 2001 and 2002 is significant as the potential for a breeding population of muskoxen now exists. For the complete report (65 KB) click here. |
Last updated: April 30, 2018